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Lawmakers express concern that Google Glass provides a window into people's privacyMay 17, 2013 (Congressional Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- WASHINGTON: Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) and seven other members of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus sent a letter Thursday to Google expressing concerns about Google Glass. The company says the product will allow users to "take pictures, record and share what you see hands free, obtain directions, send messages, and basically ask whatever is on your mind right before your eyes." The lawmakers wrote that they are concerned about possible misuse of information gathered by Google Glass. "As members of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, we are curious whether this new technology could infringe on the privacy of the average American," the letter stated. The letter also poses several questions aimed at making sure your rights are protected, including: * When using Google Glass, is it true that this product would be able to use Facial Recognition Technology to unveil personal information about whomever and even some inanimate objects that the user is viewing Would a user be able to request such information Can a non-user or human subject opt out of this collection of personal data If so, how If not, why not * In Google's privacy policy, it states that the company "may collect device-specific information (such as your hardware model, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information including phone number)." Would Google Glass collect any data about the user without the user's knowledge and consent If so, why If not, please explain. * Will Google Glass have the capacity to store any data on the device itself If so, will Google Glass implement some sort of user authentication system to safeguard stored data If not, why not If so, please explain. A complete copy of the letter to Google can be found here. Others signing the letter include, Rep. John Barrow (D-GA), Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Rep. Henry C. "Hank" Johnson Jr. (D-GA), Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC), Rep. Richard Nugent (R-FL), Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA). Rep. Barton is co-founder of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus and is a leader in Congress on providing privacy protections for personal consumer information. He and other members of the caucus have investigated the data privacy and security practices of Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, College Board, Groupon, the four major wireless carriers, and the Social Security Administration, among other entities. Read this original document at: http://joebarton.house.gov/index.php option=com_content&view=article&id=238&Itemid=379 |