Like most of you know, Google’s research andGaby
development Project Glass has the mission of creating the Google Glass. The aim is to build a glasses-shaped mini-computer that is to be worn like spectacles.
The device is connected and has various features, such as a camera and voice recognition capacities, that allow the device to be commanded by voice.  The progress in hardware technology brought by Google is unquestionable. However, many are raising concerns about the breach of privacy that this device could enable.

The red flags in terms of privacy protection raised against this device are justified when you think about the fact that one single voice command or a simple ordinary-looking movement can set off the camera and the user can start filming or taking pictures of anyone they want unbeknownst to the target.
In fact, a group of users has already trigged a campaign called “Stop the Cyborgs” that is lobbying to ban the use of the Glass in public places such as clubs and bars. Some bars have already reacted to the movement. The “5 point café” based in Seattle, was the first bar to announce that the Google Glass would be banned from the establishment. The bar owner argued that the customers that attend his bar are looking for privacy and anonymity because of the sometimes seedy nature of the hang-out place. Hence, the ban of the Google device seems completely rational.
In any case, and even before its launch into market, this Google device already has the public opinion swirling. The Glass is expected to be on stores ‘shelves by late 2013. We will have to wait and see if the “Stop the cyborgs” movement grows or if, on the contrary, Google manages to appease the worries concerning its product.
Source image: http://www.redbubble.com/people/stopthecyborgs/works/10032824-support-the-humans-stop-the-cyborgs

A propos de Gabriela Sol