Sutherland Shire Council has unanimously endorsed new measures to strengthen privacy, safety and child protection across a range of Council facilities.
The decision was made in response to community concerns about the increased use of smart glasses and other wearable technologies capable of recording, photographing, livestreaming or transmitting audio and visual content.
The changes will see updated conditions of entry introduced across Council leisure centres, libraries, Hazelhurst Arts Centre, early education centres and corporate customer service spaces, restricting the use of smart glasses and other camera-enabled or recording-capable eyewear, and prohibiting unauthorised filming, photography and audio or video recording without prior approval from Council.
Mayor, Carmelo Pesce said the measures reflected Council’s commitment to protecting community privacy while responding proactively to emerging technology.
“Council has listened to community concerns and taken a proactive approach to addressing an emerging issue before it becomes a larger problem,” Mayor Pesce said.
“Our community expects that when they visit a leisure centre, library, customer service centre or early education facility, their privacy will be respected.
“These measures provide greater certainty for residents while helping ensure Council facilities remain safe, welcoming and appropriate places for everyone.”
As part of the resolution, Council will also write to the NSW Minister for Local Government, the NSW Privacy Commissioner, the Commonwealth Minister for Communications and the Commonwealth Minister for Online Safety, calling for a coordinated legislative and regulatory response to address the broader privacy, safety and child protection implications of emerging wearable recording technologies.
New signage and public information will be introduced to ensure visitors are aware of requirements relating to wearable recording devices and unauthorised recording. The Council says appropriate exemptions will be available for people who rely on wearable technology for accessibility, medical, communication or disability support needs.
