'Too Creepy Even For Google': Search Engine Boss Warns Governments Against Facial Recognition Technology
Last updated at 4:48 AM on 20th May 2011
Concerns: Google boss Eric Schmidt warned against facial recognition
The executive chairman of Google has warned governments against facial recognition technology – saying it is ‘too creepy’ even for the search engine.
Eric Schmidt said that the technology has advanced rapidly in recent years and that it could be rolled out across the internet.
But the controversial technique has angered privacy campaigners who claim that it would be a further erosion of privacy and civil liberties.
Now Schmidt has dispelled any suggestions that internet giant Google would be the first company to employ the system.
But he warned that there were likely to be other organisations who might ‘cross the line’ and use facial recognition.
Speaking today at Google’s Big Tent conference on internet privacy, technology and society, in Hertfordshire, Schmidt said that the accuracy of such technology was ‘very concerning’.
Facial recognition would work by scanning in a photograph of somebody’s face in order to potentially reveal personal information about them.
Crime fighters argue that it could be used to trace suspects who have been recorded on CCTV. But civil liberties groups say it is an invasion of privacy.
Mr Schmidt said that Google, which has been criticised in the past for gathering information, was ‘unlikely’ to employ facial recognition programs.
But he said ‘some company by the way is going to cross that line’. Commentators suggested that Schmidt may have been referring to Facebook.
Controversial: Facial recognition could gather people’s personal details
The social-networking site was recently embroiled in controversy after it emerged that it paid PR chiefs to start a smear campaign against Google.
Facebook also used facial recognition programs which allow users to ‘tag’ photos of people that are uploaded to the site.
Mr Schmidt warned lawmakers not to prevent such services as it could hamper creativity and innovation.
‘Hopefully the French or any other country won’t pass laws that are so foolish they force Google to not be able to operate in those countries,’ he said according to the Telegraph.
‘Well-meaning people in government write something which is pretty broad and you have to be careful when you do this kind of regulation.’
Google has been criticised for its Street View service which has photographed hundreds of thousands of residential roads for its online map service.
A number of people were unwittingly captured in compromising positions and many more were upset that their photographs had been published online.
It also emerged last year that while the notorious black cars were driving around they gathered information about people’s personal internet connections.
Google apologised for the breach in privacy and said that the data would be deleted.
More from Barracuda
8.4 Magnitude Libya CONFIRMED -Official COVER UP !
Dramatic Photos of Tsunami Hitting Nuclear Plant
Nibiru On Switzerland And Iraq Banknotes
British Royalty ‘Ate Human Flesh’ But Dont Worry It Was 300 Years Ago
US Dollar Doomed As Commodities Skyrocket
Silver Crash Not A Correction But A Drive-By-Shooting’ And Criminal Act’
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
