Smartglasses could be banned at Coogee, Clovelly and Maroubra beaches under a proposal put to Randwick City Council.
Randwick councillor Philipa Veitch raised the motion at a council meeting on Tuesday, arguing that camera-equipped smartglasses can create privacy concerns and safety risks for children and women.
The proposal follows a decision by Randwick City Council to restrict smartglasses at the Des Renford Leisure Centre, where council cited growing community concerns about possible misuse.
Veitch has also suggested that any restrictions should include provisions for people with significant vision impairment and others who use smartglasses or similar technology for accessibility.
Smartglasses can include built-in cameras and other connected features. Supporters of restrictions have raised concerns about people being recorded without their knowledge, while accessibility advocates have highlighted potential benefits for people with vision or hearing impairments.
The issue is also being considered elsewhere in Sydney. City of Sydney councillors voted on 21 September to ban smartglasses at council pools, libraries and childcare centres, while recognising their potential accessibility benefits.
The proposed Randwick restrictions would affect three of the council area’s best-known beaches: Coogee, Clovelly and Maroubra. Any beach ban would depend on the council’s consideration of the motion and any resulting policy or local rules.
What happens next?
Randwick City Council will consider the proposed restrictions. The debate is part of a broader discussion in Australia about how councils and other public bodies should manage camera-equipped wearable technology while preserving legitimate accessibility uses.
Sources: Randwick City Council and City of Sydney Council
Related coverage: Albanese backs digital safety push at UN
