Computer Ethics

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Google glass is a pair of spectacles with built-in features that can capture pictures and video recording. The device is voice activated, so this means that the users can set their own voice command to launch the camera function or video record function. When they voice out the command they had set, they can secretly launch the function with nobody knowing. Not only that, it also can connect to the Internet by Wi-Fi or 3G.

To prevent the unhappy things happening due to the privacy concerns while using Google Glass, there should be laws restricting the restrictions on digital eye glass on some locations. While for the case on the individual whether it is appropriate to record anything and everything he or she see, recording on his/her time walking around outside is fine, but capturing his/her interactions with other people is wrong, unless he/she explicitly tell them that you’re filming, getting the permission from them before doing any video recording.

The next ethical issue is ”Do I have to give you my undivided attention when I have the Internet beaming data into my eyeball?” In this case, to prevent the ethical issue arose, if the personnel must multitask, let the person know and give him/her the option of talking later. Technology should augment relationships and reality, not take the place of them.

Next, the issue is whether right or wrong to Google someone while looking right at them. For example Google able to face detection and immediately show user the name, résumé and last five tweets from the person on the other side of the room?

Making small talk based on information the user just grabbed from the Internet is unethical because it implies that her/she care more about someone than you actually do. To prevent this to happen, the user should always use Google Glass legally and responsibly, and put their safety and the safety of others first priority. Google also should bans out the facial recognition apps on Google Glass.

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2.3 The challenges expected by implementing the solutions

Many argue that driving with a wearable computer poses as much risk as texting or watching TV while behind the wheel. So, the solution is to establish laws prohibiting the use of Google Glass while driving.

The challenges expected when Google Glass threatens women's privacy rights. Google Glass gives stalkers, harassers, and creeps, the ability to take invasive photos of women in public without their knowledge. If such a person were wearing Glass, they would be able to surreptitiously take photos and videos of women's bodies with a low risk of getting caught. These images can then be distributed over the Internet. Google Glass must banned outright in some locations.

There are also privacy issues. The media must not photograph individuals in private places without their consent, unless there’s a public interest issue. Taking photographs on private property may also be seen as trespass, and journalist who was ‘caught in the act’ could be removed from the premises. Now there’s a difference between taking photographs and publishing them. There’s nothing to stop a journalist walking down the high street with Google Glass video running, in the hope they happen upon something interesting happen that can let them write about it. But publishing the images would either require consent, or a degree of public interest.

Google Glass threatens non-users with "always on" surveillance. For example, if a person walks into a bar wearing Google Glass, other patrons may not be able to tell whether that person's Glass is recording their actions and conversations. Even if Glass is not actively recording, third-parties must react to the device as if it might be recording at all times. This threatens the ability of individuals to have private, candid, or anonymous social interactions. Google Glass invades their privacy and anonymity without their consent.

The questions should raise up before the Google Glass become the mainstream.

- How does Google Glass comply with data protection laws?

- What are the privacy safeguards Google and application developers are putting in place?

- What information does Google collect via Glass and what information is shared with third parties, including application developers?

- How does Google intend to use this information?

- While we understand that Google has decided not to include facial recognition in Glass, how does Google intend to address the specific issues around facial recognition in the future?

- Is Google doing anything about the broader social and ethical issues raised by such a product, for example, the surreptitious collection of information about other individuals?

- Has Google undertaken any privacy risk assessment the outcomes of which it would be willing to share?

- Would Google be willing to demonstrate the device to our offices and allow any interested data protection authorities to test it?

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3. Conclusion

Finally, Google Glass poses some potential legal problems, but it also has the potential to solve problems. The users would be wise to ask, “How can I use this technology to my advantage?” instead of jumping to, “how many problems can I point out?” The ethical issues raised by using Google Glass can be solved by implementing some of the solutions. Still, there are times for this type of technology evolves over the next few years to benefits the user? Or raising more ethical issues? It is depends how the individuals’ view.

4. References

- Glasshole or Not? 7 Urgent Ethical Dilemmas for Wearable Tech. 2014. Glasshole or Not? 7 Urgent Ethical Dilemmas for Wearable Tech. [ONLINE] Available at: http://blog.laptopmag.com/wearable-tech-ethics. [Accessed 20 October 2014].

- Google Glass is already causing legal experts to see problems . 2014. Google Glass is already causing legal experts to see problems . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/google_glass_is_already_causing_legal_experts_to_see_problems. [Accessed 21 October 2014].

- EPIC - Google Glass and Privacy. 2014. EPIC - Google Glass and Privacy. [ONLINE] Available at: https://epic.org/privacy/google/glass/. [Accessed