Wearable tech like Google Glass is a hot trend in consumer technology, but the companies that are promoting it must also tread carefully through regulatory environments.
That's become apparent in the UK, where it was announced by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) that Google Glass must adhere to rules governing data privacy.
Andrew Paterson, the ICO's senior technology officer, said that wearable technology takes "processing of personal information to the next level" and he has invited comments from the public and business community, according to UK-based Marketing Magazine. Paterson wants to update the CCTV Code of Practice (PDF) using this information to guide his decision, allegedly. Paterson cited patterns of caution in the United States, such as pubs in San Francisco not allowing patrons to use Google Glass over privacy concerns. He added that the UK will consider its own response to the wearable tech.
The Google Glass product was launched in the UK recently and the wearable computer retails there for around £1,000. Paterson's blog cites public concerns over privacy. He believes that wearable tech will proliferate the way mobile phones and tablets have, so precautions should be taken to mitigate privacy risks. The UK's Data Protection Act serves as a law to provide protection for privacy of individuals in the UK. Paterson said companies that are working on wearable tech need to be aware of the laws, rules and regulations governing privacy and how public entities are responding.
Generally, the law states that processing information collected by wearable devices like Google Glass must inform individuals collected from and how the information is being used. Additionally, they must only collect information that is relevant, adequate and not excessive. Information must be kept secure and it must be deleted once it's no longer useful.
Google has released an etiquette guide for Glass, warning users not to be creepy, or a "Glasshole." Out-law.com pointed out that the EU privacy body, the Article 29 Working Party, along with privacy commissioners from Canada and Australia, asked Google to provide it with information about how users can collect information and what information they can collect. That was last year. The information request included what type of data Glass would allow people to collect. The product was still under development at that point in time. It was just launched in the UK in June.
Google Glass and other wearable technology will face challenges ahead in trying to stay in step with laws and regulations that much of the public remains supportive of in regard to data privacy, collection and protection. No one likes a creeper, even in social media. Wearable tech could bring a whole new meaning to the term and a whole new set of consequences.
