Political Ramifications of Google Glass - Essay Example

Political Ramifications of Google Glass Introduction Google glass is a revolutionary device that allows people to connect to the internet, send messages, and make phone calls, and even record videos from a wearable computer. It has several applications, and also gives room for other privately developed applications to be incorporated. Due to its features, there are a number of political issues surrounding its use. Most of these issues are concerned with privacy violation. Privacy matters of concern affect every corner of the society; from patient privacy violations to consumer privacy, company privacy, and individual privacy. In this discussion, political issues discussed are about its violation of intellectual property rights, its support for information sharing, its privacy violations, ability to support intelligence agencies in the collection of private information, and its benefits in curbing corruption and fraudulent activities within the government. There are legal issues that this Google glass could bring such as the issue of privacy. This device allows people to take photos, and videos anywhere, and this may not go down well with people who value their privacy. Some bars have already banned Google glass in their premises. The bar owners noted that the bars were private places, and there was no way Google glass could be allowed. One argued that he needed his customers’ privacy to be respected, and Google glass seemed to be a device that violated that (Slane & Michael, 2013). Google glass allows individuals to send and receive information about other people. This promotes violation of privacy if Google glass users send information about others without their consent. Casinos are also reviewing their rules to come to a conclusion on whether to ban it or not. The Casino managers are, however, concerned about the use of such a device to spy on others in the game, and its ability to promote cheating in the game. It is considered a risk in the gaming industry because it has high potential of tarnishing the integrity of gaming (Slane & Michael, 2013). Privacy is a major issue because it affects various areas. There is concern about the use of Google glass by Paparazzi to collect information about celebrities, and political leaders, anywhere. The ability of the device to recognize people through facial recognition applications is also an issue. This presents a threat to people under witness protection, and any other individuals who wish to keep their lives private. Facial recognition applications can, however, be used for the good of the nation if it can help find fugitives. Google announced that facial recognition applications will not be used with the device, but there is also the fear of hackers making that possible. Privacy and data protection organizations have also raised concerns about information and data protection initiatives taken by Google before the release of the device (Hong, 2013). All these have got the governments involved in debates on whether to outlaw the device’s use in certain areas or not, and to limit its applications. Other issues with this device that have got various governments concerned are such as driving with the glass on which may amount to driving while texting of conversing on the phone. Google notes that Google glass can be used while driving because it limits the need for an individual to look at the phone. This could be considered illegal. It forms part of distractions to drivers and this is a prohibited activity. States have placed bans on calling or texting while driving. Google glass allows an individual to do more than text or call while driving. One can even record a video while driving. If it were established that the activities provided by Google glass can amount to distraction as much as texting and calling, they would soon be banned as causing a distraction while driving (Slane & Michael, 2013). If Google targets college students, there are issues raised about the use of the device in cheating in exams. It is argued that just like other technology devices, Google glass will be refined and in no time, there would be Google glasses that are indistinguishable from normal eye glasses. This would present additional responsibility to universities and colleges to have jamming devices to ensure such glasses are not used, or to conduct spot checks to ensure there are no Google glasses in the classrooms. Google glass presents a security threat to its users. This happens in case the software is hacked, and the hacker has control over an individual’s device. With the ability to see everything that an individual does and see, the hacker has a lot of power over the individual. This could, however, be an advantage to security agencies investigating criminals or terrorists. If they gain access to such people’s devices, they may be able to collect the necessary information (Hong, 2013). Google glass presents another problem of intellectual property violations. Currently, there are no rules regulating the use of Google glass in specific areas. Google glasses can be worn by employees, spectators, producers, and many other people. There are fears that these glasses will serve as surveillance system for the public. In the cases where Google glass finds its way into the movie theatres, there are high risks of information sharing about what is happening in the theatres, some intellectual property might be given to a different person with no consent from the owner. People will get to know unnecessary details that may harm business (Hong, 2013). Some companies also fear the effect of Google glass on their premises. If employees are allowed to wear Google glasses, some company private information may find its ways to the wrong people, or even the public. Pondera Solutions, a company that helps the government fight fraud, for example, is already thinking of using this device to collect private information in companies to present to the government as evidence of fraud. To the company, Google glass is an important device. It will provide private access to company data easily. It can help dole out relevant information to investigators and auditors, from the FDAS. Irrespective of all the above issues, State governments are concerned about the potential of the device in saving respective economies, and promoting security. Governments lose a lot from wastage of resources, corruption and fraud. Google glass is seen as a device that could help governments reduce cases of fraud, corruption and wastages. The device provides an opportunity for other applications to be incorporated. An example is the Augmented Advocacy, created by Red Edge. This application allows individuals to have access to government information when they get to government property. This is expected to improve accountability, and help reduce fraud, dishonesty, and resource wastage. Through this, the government can reduce waste (Thad, 2013). It can also be used to compile data about fraudulent activities, corruption, and wastages. Google glass is also supported because of its ability to share information easily and incorporate development devices. This can help health care practitioners to provide quality health care. An example is the use of wearable computer devices to help the patients manage their chronic conditions such as diabetes (Klonoff, 2014). Google glass has been used to develop a health assessment kit that detects one’s glucose level for easy management. Google glass could also be used to reshape government services to encourage collaborative work and sharing of information. Google glass presents an opportunity to engage with residents and for local governments to provide services remotely. Conclusion Google glass is a new technology device whose effects have to be analysed before its use. Currently, there are about five common issues of concern; the issue of privacy, intellectual property sharing of information, prevention of corruption and fraudulent deals, and security. Google glass is both a threat and an opportunity to the security of a nation. It presents lots of chances for violation of people, government, and institutions’ privacies. There are risks it could be used to steal personal information, to steal in exams, steal in Casinos, and share private data. It can, however, be used positively to share information, cub corruption and fraud within the government, and encourage accountability among government employees and organizations. Political issues surrounding Google glass has got the governments debating on what terms it should be allowed to be used in the market. References List Hong, J. (2013). Considering Privacy issues in the Context of Google Glass. Communications of The ACM , 56 (11):10-11. Klonoff, D. C. (2014). New Wearable Computers Move Ahead: Google Glass and Smart Wigs. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 8(1) 3–5. Slane, C. and Michael, K. (2013). Google Glass Privacy Issues Could Be a Buzzkill. BestTechie Thad, S. (2013). Project Glass: An Extension of the Self. Pervasive Computing, IEEE, 12(2). Read More