A group of movie houses in the United Kingdom has announced it is banning Google Glass wearers from entering its cinemas, over concerns that the wearable device could record and distribute bootleg copies of films.
“As a courtesy to your fellow audience members, and to prevent film theft, we ask that customers do not enter any cinema auditorim using any ‘wearable technology’ capable of recording images,” the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) said in a statement. “Any customer found wearing such technology will be asked to remove it, and may be asked to leave the cinema.”
The announcement is another blow to the Google Glass, which has since been struggling to project a positive image to the public, especially those who are creeped out over its possible privacy issues.
It is not the first time cinemas cracked down on Google Glass. In the United States, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas announced last month that visitors in their cinemas–spanning seven states–will not be allowed to wear the device inside the auditorium once the lights dim.
Google Glass users could claim that its 45-minute battery life would make it impossible to record a full-length feature movie. However, bootleggers are known for splicing recorded movie clips with other images and create DVDs out of it.
Google Glass was launched last week in the United Kingdom, offering its beta Explorer Program to any local resident over 18 years of age. Each gadget costs £1,000 (about US$1,700).
Source: PC Mag
