Google is debating whether it should launch its new facial recognition technology after criticism about its privacy settings. Speaking at a developers conference, Google CEO Eric Schmidt has said the search giant is still debating whether to launch the recognition technology following criticism from privacy campaigners who raised fears that it would be an ideal […]
Google is debating whether it should launch its new facial recognition technology after criticism about its privacy settings. Speaking at a developers conference, Google CEO Eric Schmidt has said the search giant is still debating whether to launch the recognition technology following criticism from privacy campaigners who raised fears that it would be an ideal tool for stalkers and identity fraudsters.
Schmidt said he would not rule out its use but said “anything we did in that area would be highly, highly planned, discussed and reviewed”. The company is now reviewing its products and the merit of introducing the controversial technology in light of recent complaints.
21/05/2010
It is under investigation in several countries after admitting that its Street View mapping cars had inadvertently collected browsing information sent over wireless networks, although it says that none of this data can be traced to individuals.
Schmidt said any new product would be very carefully considered.
Speaking to the The Financial Times, Schmidt said: “Facial recognition is a good example… anything we did in that area would be highly, highly planned, discussed and reviewed. When you go through these things, you review your management procedures.”
Facial recognition is expected to become the latest technological innovation. Picasa, the photo sharing website, has already introduced a facial recognition feature which scans through a person’s stored images and picks out identifiable faces.
It is designed to help users organise their photographs but privacy campaigners argue that it could enable people to track strangers and make them vulnerable to fraud.
Privacy has become a growing concern online with Facebook users worried about the site’s tinkering with settings. It has made an increasing amount of personal information publicly visible by default, forcing users to opt out of the settings if they’re unhappy. Such is the strength of feeling that thousands of users have pledged to delete their accounts on May 31 in protest.
