Fear, optimism still trailing Google Glass
JUNE 4, 2013
Google Glass
Although search giant, Google, says it will not allow applications and services that perform facial recognition in Google Glass to operate for now, the worst fears of some Nigerians about the controversial wearable computer have yet to be addressed.
Google Glass is the much-anticipated computer eyewear which resembles a pair of normal eyeglasses. According to the developers, the facial recognition software will enable the device’s camera to detect faces and then to identify them via Glass’s screen, which sits above the user’s right eye and is visible only to him or her.
This raises the possibilities that the users of Google Glass will have a prospect of never forgetting a face again once the device is worn.
The hi-tech wearable device, which seems to many as a science fiction-turned into reality, can take still and video pictures and upload them to the Internet in real time, using a Bluetooth-connected smartphone, as well as using voice recognition and location data to provide information about the surroundings.
But responding to concerns by a cross section of technology consumers around the world, Google says it is suspending the facial recognition application, citing ‘’privacy concerns.’’
A visit by our correspondent to the Glass’s Google+ page on Monday showed a statement by the search giant stating that it would not add facial recognition to glass until privacy concerns are fully addressed.
It stated, “When we started the Explorer Programme nearly a year ago, our goal was simple: we wanted to make people active participants in shaping the future of this technology ahead of a broader consumer launch. We’ve been listening closely to you, and many have expressed both interest and concern around the possibilities of facial recognition in Glass.
“As Google has said for several years, we won’t add facial recognition features to our products without having strong privacy protections in place. With that in mind, we won’t be approving any facial recognition Glassware at this time. We’ve learnt a lot from you in just a few weeks and we’ll continue to learn more as we update the software and evolve our policies in the weeks and months ahead.”
However, the message failed to address the fears of a cross section of Nigerians who believe the technology behind Google Glass could be described as ‘’the Anti Christ at work.’’
According to this school of thought, the Google Glass invention is a gradual descent into preparations for the ‘’end time.’’
A feel of this notion is captured by the comments of members of an online forum, nairaland.com.
A member of the forum, with the name Ajetunde says, “This is the breaking forth of the new world order – Illuminati (invention of the anti-Christ). Next would be finger-printing along side with embedment of chips into human skin, which would give them easy access to certain services without much stress. These are signs of the end time and the readiness of the anti-christ to invade the earth. Watch out o!’’
Corroborating Ajetunde’s fears, Nikky says with this latest invention, she is preparing herself for the end of the world.
She says,”The end is at hand. The book of Daniel in chapter 12 had confirmed this. The Anti -Christ is at work. All these inventions are to herald his coming as a world ruler. The Lord is at hand. A word is enough for the wise. Christians should know better.”
However, many Nigerians have also stated on the forum that the technology behind Google Glass is nothing but advancement in the field of technology.
A particular commentator on the forum, Brokoto, argued that many people linking the coming of the anti-christ to the Google Glass technology were those who would have thought the same way before the advent of the Internet.
“That is what someone would have said some 20 years ago about the invention of the Internet, which they are using now. Bush men! he said.’’
Another one had stated, “I don’t understand how some people think. So should we refuse to accept the technology? Refuse to use it? So because it seems fantastic to you, it must be bad or have some esoteric explanation? One they cannot substantiate? I think those raising these fears should go back to the Stone Age.”
Google Glass began testing in April 2012. It is expected to be launched early next year. However, developer editions, priced at $1,500, are already available in the United States.
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