May 17, 2013

Google Glass and Privacy

Although Google Glass is still a long way from being ready for consumers it has already attracted the attention of some US politicians for all the wrong reasons.

Essentially, Google Glass is a camera, display, touchpad, battery and microphone built into spectacle frames which allows you to film, take pictures, search and translate on the go.

People have asked a number of questions relating to the privacy implications of Google Glass because of its potential to gather images, video and other data about almost anything a user can see from its display. Developers have responded by stating that the technology has been designed with social implications in mind. However this does not seem to be enough to reassure a group of US politicians who have sent a letter to Google questioning what data the gadget will collect about users and non-users.

The politicians have said they are "uncertain" about the privacy protections Google intends to build in to the device. The group also want to know how Google will update its privacy policies to reflect the capabilities of Google Glass. Google have been given until 14 June to respond to the letter.

This is again an example of how protection of privacy and innovation can clash in today's rapidly developing tech world. Google Glass is cited by some as the beginning of wearable computing whereas for others it is another grey area that they are just not too sure about.........

If you have any queries or comments in relation to this blog please contact John North, Head of Corporate and Commercial on 020 7583 2222 or [email protected] or Sonia Mohammed [email protected].

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