As Privacy Concerns Mount Over Google Glass, Media Mum On GS4′s Worrisome “Eye Tracking” Feature

 

Mobile tech users and the media are increasingly concerned about privacy issues surrounding the announcement of Google Glass. In the meantime, no one is raising red flags over Samsung’s new GS4′s always-on, front-facing camera.
Last week’s SXSW conference in Texas showcased Google Glass in its entirely, and while onlookers were amazed at its next-generation approach to mobile computing, early concerns about the technology — namely, that the glasses place the ability to photograph, record, and thoroughly cyber stalk anyone within range of view — have raised serious questions about the integration of technology with the human body, and whether or not such technology infringes on privacy and civil rights.
While these are all important questions to ask about Google Glass, what has been ignored in the media is the earlier release of Samsung’s Galaxy S4 smartphone, and, more specifically, its front-facing camera and accompanying “eye tracking” software. Knowing that Google’s Android mobile operating platform is running behind a camera that is always on and always watching the user, why isn’t the tech community concerned about the GS4 as much as Google Glass?

Google has never tried to deny that they are after the collection of personal data. This movement, sometimes dubbed as “Big Data,” has become the virtual gold rush on the Internet these days, with the understanding that the more unique data a company has, the more nuanced and targeted its ad placements can be. This is exactly how Google has justified its collection of data — that ultimately it benefits the end user.
In this way, Google products, such as Gmail, the Android mobile operating platform, and StreetView have used the justification of serving the customer in collecting data in such a way that continues to raise eyebrows. As a result, the search engine giant has found itself at the center of numerous civil lawsuits and justice department enquiries — both in the U.S. and internationally.

Now with the Samsung Galaxy S4, Google potentially has a new channel of gleaning data and information from users: it’s front-facing camer and eye tracking software.
The new features, which allow users to pause video by merely looking away from the screen or scrolling the screen by angling the device, are novel at best, and worrisome at worst. While it’s true that the iPhone has boasted a front-facing camera for years now, its use has been limited to FaceTime — a feature that up until recently was only usable on wi-fi — and snapshots. Now, with the GS4, users who opt in to the new eye tracking features will essentially be exposed to the front-facing camera every time they interact with the device.
It may seem like an overreaction, but facial recognition and the artificial intelligence associated with the Google search algorithm suggests that a wealth of new “Big Data” could be gleaned from what that front-facing camera sees — both in the foreground and background of the frame. And because Google does not have a strong track record of restraining itself from capturing sensitive data when it has the chance, GS4 users should perhaps be as worried about their smartphone as others are about the implications of Google Glass.

Read more at http://iphone5newsblog.com/2013/03/19/as-privacy-concerns-mount-over-google-glass-media-mum-on-gs4s-worrisome-eye-tracking-feature/#HrRTU2mAIGb4pBxs.99