The Albanese government is considering a "world-leading" ban on smart glasses in federal workplaces following growing privacy concerns from councils across Australia, which have already implemented targeted restrictions. Public service minister Katy Gallagher stated the devices raise "legitimate privacy and security concerns" due to their recording capabilities, and the government is seeking advice on whether to prohibit them across Commonwealth offices, service centres, and laboratories.

A University of Sydney study found that 60% of smart glasses videos posted on Instagram could be classified as potential harassment, reflecting public concern about the technology. Multiple Australian councils have already acted—Brisbane banned them from pools, Yarra from playgrounds and childcare centres, and Canterbury-Bankstown from public pools. No national government has yet implemented such a comprehensive ban, though courts in England, Wales, and New York state, along with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, have restrictions in place. The government is balancing privacy protection against accessibility needs, as disability advocates have praised the technology for supporting people with vision impairments.