Australia weighing smart-glasses ban in government workplaces; Optus reviewing store/office policy
iTnews (18 September 2026) reports the Australian Government is considering barring camera-equipped smart glasses in government workplaces over privacy and security concerns, with Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher seeking Australian Public Service Commission advice on whether recording-capable devices should be prohibited for public servants. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed the move alongside Australia's teen social-media ban and a separate roundtable with major employers (Microsoft, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, AGL cited) on AI workplace guidelines. Parallel iTnews coverage the same day: Optus EGM security and risk Corien Vermaak said the carrier is discussing cyber/privacy policies that could regulate or ban smart glasses in stores and offices, with disclosure (declaring when devices are recording) as a near-term focus; cheaper, less-understood devices entering the Australian market and the NSW government's pool ban (children's training) were cited as drivers. Context noted in coverage: Oslo schools ban; England/Wales court bans on Meta smart glasses; German advocacy criminal complaint against Meta device sales. Not a product CVE — workplace/privacy policy signal for AU organisations. Primary: iTnews 18 Sep (gov + Optus).
- Product
- Camera-equipped smart glasses (workplace / APS policy; Optus retail and office use)
- Versions
- n/a (policy consultation; no product patch)
- Exploited in Australia?
- unknown
- Patch to
- APS/employers: await APSC guidance; inventory recording-capable wearables; draft disclosure or ban policies for government and customer-facing sites; Optus: follow carrier policy updates
Primary: iTnews — Australia considering smart-glasses ban in government buildings (18 Sep 2026) · Vendor: iTnews — Optus reviewing smart-glasses store/office policy (18 Sep 2026) · iTnews — Optus / Zscaler customer event remarks (Vermaak)