Members of Congress are asking whether Google's Internet-connected glasses "could infringe on the privacy of the average American."
Eight members of the House Bipartisan Privacy Caucus sent a letter to Google co-founder Larry Page yesterday, requesting answers to a number of key questions:
- "What proactive steps is Google taking to protect the privacy of non-users when Google Glass is in use?"
- Will there be "any product capabilities incorporated into the device to ensure that one's personal information remains private and secure?"
- "(I)s it true that this product would be able to use Facial Recognition Technology to unveil personal information about whomever ... the user is viewing?"
The congressional caucus gave Page until June 14 to provide answers to these and other concerns.
Google's director of product management for Glass, Steve Lee, discussed some of the privacy questions during the company's I/O developers conference Thursday.
Lee pointed out that the glass display lights up from both sides when in use, so others nearby can see that it's active. He also noted that users have to speak to Glass or tap it to begin recording --thus,"taking a picture has clear social cues."