Thursday, January 27, 2005

Image Inhibition

Maybe I'm being paranoid, but it seems to me that this technology is problematic:

A recent patent application from Hewlett-Packard labs describes a system in which digital cameras would be equipped with circuits that could be remotely triggered to blur the face in any images captured by the camera.

The technology would address privacy concerns without resorting to more draconian measures such as banning cameras. The patent covers technology that would have to be incorporated both into cameras and the "image inhibitor modules" that would signal "No photos of me, please,"...
It's easy to imagine "image inhibitors" being standard issue for, say, riot-control cops at protests. Or possibly even Republicans at swing clubs.

1 comment:

Aquaria said...

It's disturbing, until you think about the potential market for descrambling methods. Photoshop will probably become a favorite for law offices across America.