(Image Source: Google)
BY NICHOLE CARTMELL
Google glass is sparking some concerns for a group of lawmakers.
The problem...
privacy.
Eight members of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus are currently awaiting answers
to a letter sent to Google's chief executive Larry Page.
In the letter, the group outlined eight questions about how the technology would impact the
privacy of the "average American."
(Via YouTube / Project Glass)
Some questions highlight Google's track record, bringing up the 2010 incident where Google
collected user data over wireless networks without permission.
Others focus on the actual capabilities of the technology.
The letter even goes so far as asking what limitations will be put on app developers.
(Via U.S. Congress)
Glass will essentially allow users to connect to the Internet and do things like take photographs,
record and watch video, send text messages and post to social media sites through device
that resembles a pair of glasses.
(Via ABC)
But lawmakers like Texas Rep. Joe Barton don't want Google Glass wearers to have the ability
to record other people without them knowing.
And Congress members, like him, aren't the only ones worried about what the technology
could potentially do.
Caesars Palace recently banned Google Glass, saying the use of recording devices and computers
aren't allowed when gambling.
(Via Caesars Palace)
But a writer for The Motely Fool argues this reaction to new technology is no different
than others we've seen in the past.
In 2003, the problem was camera phones and their growing popularity and quality.
(Via Wikimedia Commons / OptoScalpel)
Just like we're seeing now, the questions then revolved around how to handle and regulate
the technology...
but the point is, eventually we learned to how to deal with it.
"It's still too early to give Google Glass that much credit, but it's also too early
to write it off.
We may figure out a way to adapt the new technology into our lives without giving up all of our
privacy.
We've certainly done it before."
Google defended its technology against these privacy worries during the Google I/O conference
on Thursday.
An engineer on the Glass team pointed out that social cues will alert others that you're
looking at them.
"If I'm recording you, I have to stare at you — as a human being.
And when someone is staring at you, you have to notice.
If you walk into a restroom and someone's just looking at you — I don't know about
you but I'm getting the hell out of there."
Nonetheless, the group of lawmakers is expecting a response to all of their questions no later
than June 14.