Friday, 21 June 2013

Google Glass privacy concerns raised in Canada, Mexico and Australia

Google Project Glass
Information commissioners from several countries have sent an open letter to Google chief executive Larry Page seeking clarification on the privacy implications of using Google Glass.
The letter – signed by officials from Australia, Canada, Israel, Mexico and Switzerland – questions Page about how Google is ensuring data protection laws will be upheld by the product, and highlights recent media coverage of potential breaches of privacy.
"Fears of ubiquitous surveillance of individuals by other individuals, whether through such recordings or through other applications currently being developed, have been raised," it said.
The letter strongly urges Google to enter into a "real dialogue" with data protection authorities concerning Glass. "As you may recall data protection authorities have long emphasised the need for organisations to build privacy into the development of products and services before they are launched. Many of us have also encouraged organisations to consult in a meaningful way with our respective offices.
"To date, what information we have about Google Glass largely comes from media reports, which contain a great deal of speculation."
Other concerns include the possibility of facial recognition, third-party data-sharing and social issues caused by the wearers themselves. The information commissioners also request a demonstration of the product to alleviate their worries.
The correspondence comes in the wake of a letter sent to Page by US Congress, seeking clarification on "unanswered questions" about Glass, and also in the midst of PRISM whistleblower Edward Snowden's accusations that the NSA is being given "backdoor access" to user data held by companies including Google.
A Google spokesman said that the company was already taking these concerns into account. "It's very early days, and we are thinking very carefully about how we design Glass, because new technology always raises new issues," he explained. "Our Glass Explorer program, which reaches people from all walks of life, will ensure that our users become active participants in shaping the future of this technology."
Google Glass has been touted for a late 2013 launch at under $1,500 (£960).

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