Switzerland debates smart glasses ban at swimming pools

Smart glasses could be used for malicious filming Keystone-SDA

Privacy concerns are growing in Switzerland about smart glasses that can film and take photos, particularly around public swimming pools.

At first glance, they look like ordinary sunglasses, but they have several built-in technical features. So-called smart glasses can take photos, record videos, and in some cases even record conversations. Depending on the model, the data can be transferred directly to a smartphone or to a cloud.

These very possibilities are now sparking political debate in several Swiss cities, for example in Wil, in the eastern canton of St Gallen. A motion is pending in the city parliament to ban smart glasses in the city’s public swimming pools. Parliamentarians from all parties have co-signed the motion. Similar efforts are underway in the cities of Lucerne and Basel.

The trigger for objections is concern for the safety of swimmers. Especially in outdoor swimming pools, it is often difficult to tell whether someone is filming or taking photos with smart glasses. This can be particularly problematic for women, teenagers, and children.

Among the initial signatories is Meret Grob, a Green Party member of parliament from Wil. She fears that technological development is progressing faster than awareness of potential risks. “I don’t think people have really grasped yet that smart glasses can also be used for malicious purposes,” she told Swiss public broadcaster SRF.

While smart glasses could be used for covert recording, said Grob. And the latest models are becoming increasingly inconspicuous.

Federal debate

So far, no cases are known in Switzerland of swimmers being secretly filmed using smart glasses. But several cases have already made headlines in Germany, involving photos of women in swimwear posted on social media. Cities like Cologne have responded by banning smart glasses in public swimming pools.

“We need to consider in general whether we want such glasses in our society,” said Lucerne cantonal parliamentarian Rahel Estermann. The discussion is gaining momentum in other regions of Switzerland, which are also considering possible restrictions.

The Swiss Association of Lifeguards is very receptive to the idea of ​​a ban. “The best solution would be a nationwide ban,” said president Michel Kunz. While such a ban would be difficult to enforce completely, it would provide a basis for taking action in cases of violations.

The use of these devices is likely to increase further in the coming years. This is precisely why proponents of a ban cite privacy concerns. It is often impossible for bystanders to tell whether a recording is being made, unlike with a smartphone, which must be visibly held-up and pointed.

The issue has now reached the federal level of politics. There are calls to examine the impact on data protection and privacy more closely.

Whether Wil will introduce a ban is still undecided. However, one thing is clear: with the increasing prevalence of smart glasses, the discussion about privacy in public spaces is likely to gain further importance.

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Translated from German, reviewed by an English Department journalist.