Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is aware of the increasing availability and use of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled smart wearable devices, including smart glasses and similar technologies. Common examples of these products include, but are not limited to, Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, Google Glass Enterprise Edition and Microsoft HoloLens.
We understand that as technology continues to evolve, such devices may have legitimate applications in broader society and, potentially, within aspects of the racing industry. However, to ensure the ongoing integrity of harness racing in Victoria, and while we undertake a review of the implications, risks and potential uses of these devices within the harness racing environment, the following direction is issuedeffective immediately.
Effective immediately, the use of AI glasses, smart glasses, augmented reality (AR) glasses or any similar AI-enabled wearable visual devices is prohibited at all race meetings and official trial meetings conducted in Victoria.
This prohibition applies to all participants while on-course at any race meeting or official trial meeting.
Participants are advised that failure to comply with this requirement may result in a breach of AHRR 238 and penalties being imposed.
Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 238 states the following:
A person shall not fail to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the Controlling Body or the Stewards relating to harness racing or to the harness racing industry.
Permitted Use
The use of such devices at stables, training establishments and private training environments is permitted at this time.
Reason for Direction
This interim direction has been issued to ensure HRV is able to undertake a full and considered review of the operational, integrity, and regulatory implications associated with AI-enabled wearable technologies within the harness racing industry. The review will consider, among other matters, issues relating to integrity and information access, covert recording or transmission of data, compliance and enforcement challenges, and participant and welfare considerations.
HRV will continue to engage with industry stakeholders and will provide further guidance following the completion of this review. Participants are reminded that compliance with directions issued under the AHRR is mandatory.
For further information on this matter please contact the HRV Integrity Department using one of the following below:
HRV Stewards – Phone – 03 8378 0222
HRV Stewards Outside Business Hours – Phone – 03 9214 0650
Integrity Hotline – Phone – 03 9214 0651 or Email – integrity@hrv.org.au