It's been a while since Google announced its wearable tech gadget for augmenting reality, the Google Glass. In that time, several controversies have sprung up regarding what Google's role will be in protecting people's privacy in a world where anyone wearing their device can record, search and do a bevy of other things simply by looking at something.
The company has now set a precedent for wearable tech as many other companies begin to debut devices like smartwatches onto the market. As anticipation for the Google Glass builds, so does anxiety over the company's privacy policy in the wake of how the device will change societal norms.
The Guardian reports Senator Joe Barton, who co-founded the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, sent a detailed letter outlining concerns to Google in May. The letter requested Google clarify not only how Glass users' data would be protected but the privacy of those who are recorded or picked up by the Glass will be protected.
Google's vice president of public policy and government relations, Susan Molinari replied to the concerns saying the company has no plans to issue facial recognition on the device and that its existing privacy policies would protect both users and non-users.
Barton was less than impressed with the reply he received..
"I am disappointed in the responses we received from Google. There were questions that were not adequately answered and some not answered at all," Barton said in a released statement. "Google Glass has the potential to change the way people communicate and interact. When new technology like this is introduced that could change social norms, I believe it is important that people's rights be protected and vital that privacy is built into the device. I look forward to continuing a working relationship with Google as Google Glass develops."
One of the questions Barton feels was completely left unanswered and purposely avoided by Molinari was about how Google would protect information inadvertently gathered from from people with the Glass, similar to what happened with the unintentional collection of personal information from individuals on unencrypted wireless networks for the Street View project.
