Variety reports that the MPAA has, as of just a few days ago, issued a “zero-tolerance” policy, banning use of Google Glass and all other similarly designed techware for use in movie theaters across the nation. This should come as no surprise to anyone who is even remotely familiar for the potential for privacy breaches inherent in the design of something like Google Glass, and there has already been concern. Earlier this year of an Ohio moviegoer found himself talking with Homeland Security after bringing his Google Glasses to a screening of “Jack Reacher.”
Below is the official statement from the MPAA:
“The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) have a long history of welcoming technological advances and recognize the strong consumer interest in smart phones and wearable “intelligent” devices. As part of our continued efforts to ensure movies are not recorded in theaters, however, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward using any recording device while movies are being shown. As has been our long-standing policy, all phones must be silenced and other recording devices, including wearable devices, must be turned off and put away at show time. Individuals who fail or refuse to put the recording devices away may be asked to leave. If theater managers have indications that illegal recording activity is taking place, they will alert law enforcement authorities when appropriate, who will determine what further action should be taken.”
I have no patience for this sort of thing. I have no plans to have Google Glass, but it is a thing to have prescription lenses with Google Glass. What then? Are they just out of luck because they are up with the latest technology. This is not okay.
For more on my feelings about Google Glass, see here and (mostly) here.