It looks like Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is continuing along its course to increase its creepiness factor. If you were worried about having your images taken (without your consent) by overzealous Google Glass users, just wait until you hear this. Google now has a pending patent for a contact lens embedded with a camera.
That is right. So, with Google Glass, at least you could see the user wearing the device. If someone wore contact lenses, which were embedded with cameras, you would not even know. Scared now? Well, you should and shouldn’t be.
On the one hand, you cannot say it is not really weird and awkward having strangers walking around with cameras in their eye sockets. How do you know their intentions? Especially, if you value your privacy. Celebrities have to deal with paparazzi taking their pictures at inopportune moments. Do you want to deal with worrying how you look each and every second you decide to venture outdoors?
At the same time, Google asserts they are developing this technology for diabetics and possibly blind people. Apparently, the camera will eliminate the need for a skin prick to test sugar levels. The camera will also have the ability to track your gaze. It can view light, colors, patterns of colors and more.
When it comes to blind people, the contact lens can give them data about oncoming traffic and so forth. So, in that sense, it can be helpful. However, it will probably not just be used by blind people and diabetics.
Would you feel secure walking around knowing that complete strangers could be uploading your pictures and videos, while you are simply minding your own business? What about your children? How do you know that pedophiles will not use this technology to their advantage, as well? Not to sound alarmist, but you do not. So, hopefully, it will not become a safety concern, but that does not mean you should not be aware.
