Google’s wearable computing device has come under fire once again. Government privacy and data protection officials from seven countries have reached out to Google CEO Larry Page over privacy concerns regarding Google Glass. Commissioners from Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Israel and Switzerland are seeking specific details about the information Google collects from the device and how it complies with data protection laws. They have also asked for the company to demonstrate the device to them in person and allow data protection authorities to test it.
“We would be very interested in hearing about the privacy implications of this new product and the steps you are taking to ensure that, as you move forward with Google Glass, individuals’ privacy rights are respected around the world,” the commissioners wrote. “We look forward to responses to these questions and to a meeting to discuss the privacy issues raised by Google Glass.”
Page had previously compared Glass to smartphones, noting that many people carry phones that have cameras with them everywhere and it isn’t a problem.
“People worry about a lot of things that, when we use the products, don’t turn out to be an actual concern,” he said.
The one thing to remember, however, is the Glass is sill undergoing beta testing. The device won’t be available to consumers until next year, at which point all these fears may seem overblown.
