Google Glass Bans Facial Recognition Technology
Google Glass may very well be the face of the future in a couple of years, but that doesn't mean that it will be at full functionality. Google has recently stated that it will be banning any facial recognition software from being implemented on Glass.
Google Glass is a hands-free device with nearly unlimited applications. It acts similarly to a bluetooth headset while giving the user a small, futuristic display that is fitted right above the eye. Texts, directions, schedules, and other data can now be accessed through a pair of glasses.
The decision to ban facial recognition capability was made due to the large amount of uncertainty that has been voiced by the public since Google Glass' debut last year. Many people feel that Google has gone too far and that people's privacy is being violated.
"We've been listening closely to you, and many have expressed both interest and concern around the possibilities of facial recognition in Glass," the company said in a statement. "As Google has said for several years, we won't add facial recognition features to our products without having strong privacy protections in place. With that in mind, we won't be approving any facial recognition Glassware at this time."
While the move has been celebrated by many, not everyone is so happy. Lambda Labs is one company that was banking on facial recognition being a part of Google Glass. At the end of May co-founder Stephen Balaban was optimistic that the company would be able to continue developing its software for Glass.
"There is nothing in the Glass Terms of Service that explicitly prevents us from doing this. However, there is a risk that Google may change the ToS in an attempt to stop us from providing this functionality. This is the first face recognition toolkit for Glass, so we're just not sure how Google, or the privacy caucus, will react."
With the latest news, it's now clear that Lambda Labs and other companies like it will have to rethink their strategy. Google has already stated that despite the decision, it has not completely ruled out facial recognition software in the future. For now, they're relying heavily on their Explorer Program to determine people's likes and dislikes with the product.
"Our Explorer Program makes users active participants in evolving Glass ahead of a wider consumer launch. In keeping with this approach, we've updated our developer policies. We look forward to learning more from our users as we update the software and evolve our policies in the weeks and months ahead," a Google spokesman said.
Google has also been careful to avoid people being able to easily take photos of unsuspecting passersby. They are developing a method that would light up Google Glass' prism every time a photo is taken, so that people around the user would be aware of what they were doing.