Google
put out word that it won't add face-recognition features to Glass, in a
bow to privacy fears raised about the camera-enabled internet-connected
eyewear.
"We won't add facial recognition
features to our products without having strong privacy protections in
place," Google said in an online message aimed at software developers
creating applications for Glass.
"With that in
mind, we won't be approving any facial recognition Glassware at this
time," the message continued, revealing how the company intends to refer
to software designed for the devices.
In May,
a group of US lawmakers asked Google to answer questions on the privacy
implications and possible "misuse of information" of its Glass
project.
Eight US lawmakers in the
Congressional Privacy Caucus sent a letter saying they are "curious
whether this new technology could infringe on the privacy of the average
American."
The lawmakers asked Google to
provide information about how it would collect and use data from the
Internet-linked eyewear, which has been tested by a small group of users
and is expected to hit the market later this year.
Some
small establishments in the United States have vowed to ban Glass due
to worries about how being able to discreetly take pictures or video
might be seen as invasive by patrons.
Facebook and Twitter have already launched applications Google glasses.
Several
major news organizations have also tailored applications for Glass,
which has only been made available to developers and a limited selection
of "explorers" who paid $1,500 each for the eyewear.
Envisioned
uses range from practical tasks such as shopping or delivering local
weather reports to sharing real time video streams of riding cable cars
or playing augmented reality games in which the world is the board.
"We've
been listening closely to you, and many have expressed both interest
and concern around the possibilities of facial recognition in Glass,"
the California-based Internet titan said in message to 'explorers.'
"We've
learned a lot from you in just a few weeks and we'll continue to learn
more as we update the software and evolve our policies in the weeks and
months ahead.
Glass lets wearers take
pictures, record video, send messages, or perform other tasks with touch
controls or by speaking "Okay Glass" followed by a command.
Glass
connects to the internet using Wi-Fi hotspots or, more typically, by
being wirelessly tethered to mobile phones. Pictures or video can be
shared through the Google+ social network.
Google
co-founder and chief Larry Page depicted Glass as part of an ongoing
effort to get computers "out of the way" so people can focus on lives
enriched by what the internet has to offer.
"We
want to make sure we are building experiences that make people really
happy," Page said while speaking about Glass at a recent San Francisco
gathering of developers.
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