Is Nudism Ready for Google Glass?

This week Twitter chirped with news of a new project launched by the geniuses at Google.  If you haven’t heard about Google’s Project Glass, you will.  Nudists only have to learn the rudiments of the program to see how it could affect our way of life.

Essentially, “Glass” puts the functionality of a search engine, map program, social networking, camera, and additional features into a pair of lightweight glasses that users wear out and about in the real world.  The glasses allow one to see normally, while also accessing the afore-mentioned Google features.  You can watch a video demonstration here: Google Project Glass

Some industry insiders estimate the glasses may be widely available for sale as early as Christmas 2012, while others say that time frame is unduly optimistic. 

Nudists already know about the way that camera-equipped cell phones have altered the balance of privacy on beaches and in clubs.  While clubs have rules regulating their usage, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between someone holding a normal conversation and one who is trying to invade others’ privacy by taking unwanted pictures.  Imagine if the world becomes heavily populated with people who depend on their Google Glasses for directions and communications.  Now imagine trying to determine whether someone wearing such glasses on a nude beach is simply texting a friend or uploading footage to a You Tube account.

We can, and will, adapt of course.  The question is, “how”?  Some will no doubt propose banning the glasses outright from nude venues.  That gets tricky as more and more people rely on the technology… and maybe even use it to pay for their stays as people pay for cups of coffee with iPhone apps now. Perhaps someone will invent a way to “jam” photographic transmissions.  Just as likely, it may mean accepting a new (lower) level of privacy expectations. 

After all, when there are 20 million sites boasting "Glass Voyeur" cams, someone will have to wade through those 20 million to find you.  For those who look like the typical Platypus, they probably won’t bother!