Councils in Australia are moving faster than federal and state governments to address the threats to privacy from "smart glasses" which connect to a phone so what the camera on the glasses sees can be recorded.

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The flashiest version comes from Meta in conjunction with Ray-Ban at a price of around $700. Kmart pulled its less-capable, less-stylish version at $89 after privacy concerns.

Those concerns about what opponents have dubbed "pervert glasses" have become clear to a string of councils in Australia.

The latest to ban them in swimming pools is Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council just outside Canberra "to help protect the privacy and safety of residents and visitors".

The council follows Canterbury-Bankstown and Brisbane City Council. Melbourne's Yarra City Council has banned them from playgrounds, childcare centres and gyms.

But the Albanese government has been slower to react. Finance and Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher said last month: "Smart glasses can raise legitimate privacy and security concerns, particularly because of their ability to record and capture information, and we need clear and consistent guidance for public servants."

So, the government was "seeking advice".

Last month federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland praised the councils, saying, "Businesses know that good privacy is good business."

The arrival of these glasses really is a matter of concern.

There are already........

© Canberra Times