The data regulator is warning brand owners to adhere to strict data protection laws covering wearable technology, such as Google Glass, or risk fines of up to £500,000.
The Information Commissioner’s Office is using this week’s UK launch of Google Glass to issue new advice on so-called “wearables”, with ICO senior technology officer Andrew Paterson warning businesses not to flout the law.
He said: “Organisations which use wearable technology to process personal information will almost always be covered the Data Protection Act. This means that they must process the information collected by these devices in compliance with the legislation.
“This includes making sure that people are being informed about how their details are being collected and used, only collecting information that is relevant, adequate and not excessive and ensuring that any information that needs to be collected is kept securely and deleted once it is no longer required.”
Paterson is also concerned that if the wearable technology is able to capture video or pictures then organisations must adhere to the regulator’s CCTV Code of Practice.
He warned that some bar owners in the US have already banned Google Glass from their premises due to customers’ concerns over being filmed without their knowledge.
Earlier this week, CRM giant Salesforce said it is planning to launch a raft of products which exploit the technology, and other tech firms, including Apple, Google, Samsung and Intel, are following suit.
Paterson added: “Organisations must not lose sight of the fact that wearables must still operate in compliance with the law and consumers’ personal information must be looked after.”
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