Last February, Google introduced their newest product, Google Glass. Google Glass is essentially a wearable smartphone that offers a hand-free operating system. Google describes the Glasses as “surprisingly simple” and advertises their product as “strong and light” with a “modular design.” While many people would find such technology exciting, Google has been receiving a number of negative reactions regarding their newest project.

    The obvious excitement that revolves around new technology was apparent when Google introduced their glasses. After hearing about the Google Glass project, junior, Jenna Riggs, commented on how advanced technology was becoming. She said, “It’s interesting to see how its progressing, from hand held phones to now a wearable, everyday item.” Many people find these glasses to be beneficial to society as the glasses can do a vast number of tasks such as taking a picture or video hands-free, translate the wearer’s speech, or give directions. Jenna, after learning about what the glasses could do, thought that, “they are really cool. I would buy them, but I can see how there would be a privacy issue regarding them.” Jenna is not the only one with this concern; many people find the glasses to be a direct violation of privacy rights.

    The concern over the privacy issues of Google Glass have seen more than just individuals; a number of restaurant and business owners have banned the use of Google Glass technology in their establishments. In a CNN article on the negative reactions to Google Glass, Heather Kelly states that, “negative reactions to Google Glass have been making headlines lately.” The major problem that people seem to be having regarding this is that it is an infringement upon the privacy of others. Kelly mentions that, “People feel in control when using their own technology but, fairly or not, Google Glass seems to them more like invasive surveillance.” The specific concerns regarding privacy are that anybody could take a video or picture without correct motives or permission. Another concern over them is that wearers felt that their own personal information may not be safe. While these concerns have not been unnoticed by the public, they also have not completely ruled out the flourishing of such technology.

    Google Glass has seen a large number of publicity in the recent months, both good and bad. While such an idea does spark interest it does not come without criticism and hesitation. Simplicity and versatility put Google Glass ahead of any competition but privacy concerns do create some skepticism for the project. While these concerns are evident and clearly justifiable, only time will tell if Google Glass really is the next big thing.