Potsdam Plans Ban on Smart Glasses in Swimming Pools

The city of Potsdam plans to prohibit the use of smart glasses in swimming pools. This initiative comes in response to reports of secretly filmed videos of women in bikinis that frequently surface online. The city administration views these glasses as a serious threat to the privacy of bathers. The decision to introduce a ban was discussed by the city council in a session on June 3, 2026.

The majority of representatives supported the proposal to ensure the safety and protection of bathers. The city administration intends to review the legal framework for the ban and take appropriate measures. Smart glasses are wearable devices equipped with cameras that allow users to capture videos and photos from a first-person perspective. This technology has gained popularity in recent years, leading to an increase in incidents where individuals are filmed without their knowledge. The city of Potsdam is now responding to these concerning developments.

The discussion about banning smart glasses in public swimming pools is not new. Other cities in Germany have already made similar efforts to protect citizens' privacy. In Berlin, for example, a ban has already been implemented in certain public facilities to prevent incidents of unauthorized video recordings. The city of Potsdam plans to officially introduce the ban in the coming weeks, although the exact details and timing of implementation have yet to be determined.

The city administration is expected to convene a public hearing in the coming days to gather citizens' opinions on this matter. The legal basis for the ban could be based on existing data protection laws. These laws protect individuals' privacy in public spaces and could serve as a foundation for enforcing the ban. Experts emphasize that such a ban is necessary to uphold citizens' rights and prevent abuse. The discussion about the use of smart glasses also raises questions about the technology itself.

Critics argue that a ban is not the solution to the problem, but rather a comprehensive education on the responsible use of technology is required. In this context, the city administration plans to offer informational events to raise awareness of the risks. The decision to ban smart glasses in swimming pools could also have implications for other public facilities. If the ban is successfully implemented in Potsdam, other cities may follow suit. Thus, the discussion about privacy protection in the digital world will continue to gain importance.

The city of Potsdam has already announced that it will closely monitor the situation. The administration will incorporate citizens' feedback and the results of the hearing into its decisions. A concrete timeline for the implementation of the ban will be announced in the coming weeks. The city administration of Potsdam plans to enforce the ban on smart glasses by the end of June 2026.