What Google Glass Means For Your Privacy
In our trainings, Brad and I talk often about how everybody is a journalist these days. The person sitting next to you on a train or a plane could have a blog and sneak a glimpse at your computer screen–and in the blink of an eye, your sensitive company information is on the Internet.
In fact, we somewhat jokingly say you shouldn’t discuss anything you don’t want the public knowing until you’re in the safety of your car with the windows rolled up.
Now, just when you thought you were careful enough, another layer of invasive technology is making its way into the public discussion.
As NPR reports, filmmaker Chris Barrett has recorded what he and those in the technology community believe is the first public arrest using Google Glass, a wearable computing device resembling eyeglasses. Barrett witnessed a fight on the 4th of July at a fireworks show in Wildwood, N.J.
Barrett told VentureBeat he believes Google Glass gave him a measure of safety and (of course) anonymity while filming the scene:
“I think if I had a bigger camera there, the kid would probably have punched me,” Barrett (said). “But I was able to capture the action with Glass and I didn’t have to hold up a cell phone and press record.”
Chris Barrett
Let’s face it, even the most experienced speakers and politicians have slipped when they thought their speech was private. Smartphones can be tough to spot.
Still, Google Glass takes this to a new level. Since the device is hands-free, it’s even less obvious when you’re being recorded–and even more reason to always be extra-careful.
What do you think? How should public figures protect themselves in a Google Glass world? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Photo credit: Jennifer Rubinovitz/Courtesy of Chris Barrett
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I have real problems with this technology, and the notion of “citizen journalism” in the first place, but that’s a discussion for another day. I think the advice for public figures is to always be aware of their surroundings when they are in a public place. Understand that there’s no such thing as privacy anymore, at least not in public. From the moment they step out of their vehicle, they are on stage. And they will remain on stage until they are able to return to their vehicle, or their home, or their office. They are only able to enjoy privacy when they are physically alone. A tough reality, but there you have it.