Australian Attorney-General Flags Privacy Concerns Over Smart Glasses

• Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has flagged potential privacy concerns over smart glasses use in Australia.
• Women and children may be disproportionately affected by the use of smart glasses for harmful conduct.
• The OAIC has updated guidelines for organisations using facial recognition technology, highlighting the need for compliance with Australian Privacy Principles.
• International concerns have been raised about data security issues with AI-powered smart glasses.

Unlike other forms of technology, smart glasses may be used more discreetly, making it harder to know when you are being recorded

The increasing use of smart glasses in Australia has raised concerns about privacy, with Attorney-General Michelle Rowland flagging potential issues. In a letter to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), Rowland requested that they prioritize investigating the privacy implications of these devices. Smart glasses are embedded with cameras that can take photos and videos, making them a potential threat to individuals' right to privacy.

Rowland noted that women and children may be disproportionately affected by the use of smart glasses for harmful conduct such as inappropriate recording, harassment, and surveillance. The Attorney-General highlighted the potential for these devices to be used more discreetly than other forms of technology, making it harder to detect when someone is being recorded. This raises concerns about the need for greater awareness and education on the responsible use of smart glasses.

The OAIC has recently updated guidelines for organisations using facial recognition technology in publicly accessible physical spaces. The guidance clarified that entities must demonstrate compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles when using such technology. Additionally, biometric templates and facial images used for automated identification are considered sensitive information under the Privacy Act. This highlights the need for organisations to be aware of their obligations and take steps to protect individuals' privacy.

The International Bar Association raised concerns about Meta and Ray-Ban's AI-powered smart glasses in 2024, highlighting issues with data security. The IBA questioned how providers can ensure the rights of data subjects are protected when using such technology. The Australian government is continuing to work on updating privacy laws to ensure they remain fit for purpose in the digital age.

Lawyers should be aware of the potential for clients to use smart glasses in ways that may infringe on others' privacy, and advise them accordingly. They should also monitor updates from the Australian Privacy Principles and relevant case law.

Source: Original reporting via Australasian Lawyer