Brisbane Bans Secret Filming at All 21 Public Pools

Parents and swimmers can finally relax at the pool without worrying about hidden cameras watching their every move.

Brisbane City Council just announced a complete ban on secret filming at all 21 of its public pools. The new rules target AI-enabled smart glasses and other wearable cameras that can record people without their knowledge.

Anyone can still bring their phone or smart glasses poolside. But if they film or photograph other swimmers without permission, lifeguards can now ask them to leave.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the decision came after growing concerns from families. Cheap smart glasses, like the $60 Anko model, have made secret recording easier than ever.

"We want everyone that uses our pools to know that they're not secretly being recorded, that their children are not being recorded," Schrinner explained. "It's everyone's right when they visit a council pool to feel safe and comfortable."

The timing matters because Queensland law currently allows filming in public spaces without consent. These new pool rules create a protected zone where privacy comes first.

The Ripple Effect

Digital rights advocates are already calling on other cities to follow Brisbane's lead. Tom Tulston from Digital Rights Watch said people deserve to move through public spaces without fear of covert recording.

Queensland's Family and Child Commission backed the ban as a child safety measure. Principal Commissioner Luke Twyford praised the council for recognizing foreseeable risks and taking action to prevent exploitation.

The rules roll out across Brisbane's pool network in the coming weeks. Other Australian councils are watching closely to see if they should adopt similar protections.

This marks a turning point in how communities balance new technology with old-fashioned privacy, proving local action can protect what state laws haven't yet addressed.