Canterbury-Bankstown Bans AI Smart Glasses at Public Pools Amid Privacy Concerns: Mayor Calls Them 'Pervert Glasses'

In a decisive move reflecting growing public anxiety, the City of Canterbury-Bankstown—Sydney’s largest local government area—has joined Brisbane and Yarra in banning AI-powered smart glasses at public swimming pools. The vote, led by Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, followed sustained community concerns about covert filming in change rooms, pool areas, and near schools. Council officials cited the discreet nature of devices like Google Glass and similar AI-enabled wearables as enabling potential predators to record without consent, sparking fears over privacy violations and misuse of technology. With the ban now enforced across all 35 of the council’s aquatic facilities, residents are calling for stronger safeguards in public spaces. The decision underscores a broader national trend where local governments are stepping in where federal regulation lags, emphasizing civic responsibility and digital ethics. As smart wearable tech becomes more prevalent, this action highlights the urgent need for clear boundaries on surveillance in shared environments. The move sets a precedent for other councils facing similar challenges—and signals that public trust may hinge on proactive policy.