The Google Glass got the Glassholes in trouble or the Glassholes got the Google Glass in trouble? That is the question.
The wearable technology has been on spotlight and of late, it has been a subject of scrutiny, if not hate, of people worried about their privacy. To avoid trouble, some establishments have even banned the Glass. The latest addition to the list is a bar in San Francisco called The Willows.
"Since there are no actual laws that we're aware of limiting what people with Glass can and cannot record (and subsequently post online without approval of those being filmed), we feel the best thing for us now is to play it safe by not allowing them at all at this point," said The Willows owner Tim Ryan.
At the entrance of his bar, Glass Explorers and Glassholes alike are requested to take off the Glass due to a short explanation that its patrons have expressed concerns that they might be recorded while inside the bar.
Ryan also explained that the incident at another bar called Molotov's influenced his business decision.
In February, Sarah Slocum, founder of LoveSocialMeds and a Glass Explorer, was mugged at Molotov's, a bar along Haight Street in San Francisco. While some patrons at the said bar were curious about the wearable technology, a group reacted violently when they saw her glancing at them. One woman verbally assaulted her and another guy from the same group snatched the Glass from Slocum's face. Slocum was not recording from the beginning but started recording when she felt threatened. Molotov's has also banned the Glass.
Another story involving the Google wearable technology that hit the headlines is the incident in Ohio where a man donning the Glass was hurled out of a theater. Homeland Security agents had to manhandle the bootlegging suspect only to find out that the man only had photos of his wife and dog stored in the device.
Cecilia Abadie, a software developer from California and another Glass Explorer, was flagged down by San Diego cops for wearing the device and speeding. However, Abadie won the legal battle as the court junked the citation.
However, it has not been all bad news for Google Glass. A lot of professions are exploring the device and trying to figure out how it will best serve them.
The crew of Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow Airport wear the Glass to provide better customer service. The NYPD has also been experimenting on the wearable technology to find out how it can improve its operations.
Doctors have also expressed their support for the technology that can help them be virtually present in multiple locations. In fact, the Glass has helped an orthopedic surgeon in India perform a successful foot and ankle surgery.
Amid all the good and the bad news, it is beyond the control of Google or Explorers or Glassholes how people will react to the technology. While the company has created a short guide on how to use the Glass, legislations might be needed to draw the line when wearers of the Glass might be violating privacy or existing laws. Those suffering from technology paranoia and attacking those donning wearables are clearly guilty of either assault or physical injuries. Ah, let's keep the balance.
