TED Conversations

Julie Ann

TEDCRED 10+

This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »

What do you think of Google's face recognition app? Has Google gone too far?

A recent CNN report by Mark Milian states:
"Google is working on a mobile application that would allow users to snap pictures of people's faces in order to access their personal information, a director for the project said this week.

In order to be identified by the software, people would have to check a box agreeing to give Google permission to access their pictures and profile information, said Hartmut Neven, the Google engineering director for image-recognition development.

Google's Profiles product includes a user's name, phone number and e-mail address. Google has not said what personal data might be displayed once a person is identified by its facial-recognition system."

Has Google crossed a line here?

0
Share:

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.

  • Sadish Dhakal

    • +1
    Apr 2 2011: I've found google ads both helpful and intrusive. I have a similar reaction to this facial recognition technology. But the crucial point here is the "checkbox". Google cannot mess with your privacy without your consent. Sure there are more practical concerns, like the thousands of words in the privacy statement that you will have to read through and understand. However, I see no wrong in this technology.

    There's always the argument that if the world were such that you couldn't hide anything from it, there would be less to hide.
    • thumb

      Jimmy Strobl 30+

      • 0
      TED Translator
      Apr 2 2011: I agree with your last statement!

    • Julie Ann 10+

      • +1
      Apr 3 2011: Hi Sadish, I hear you. I think we all know privacy rules are repeatedly broken, however, so even though you have no concerns for yourself, would you be concerned about things like identity theft for other members of your family? Or even "bad" people targeting children in your family?

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.