Ethical Implications

What are the ethical implications of Google Clips?

If Google Clips technology becomes more popular, it is vital that we think about its ethical implications. Before Google Clips, when a group of people wanted to take a picture, everyone had the option (more or less) to be a part of the photo. If someone did not want to participate for whatever reason, he could step aside or take the picture for the group. Unless someone is at a public establishment that utilizes security cameras, there normally has to be some form of consent before a picture can be taken of someone. However, Google Clips does not ask permission to take a photo; it recognizes that the moment is potentially important and captures it.

Does Google Clips violate a person’s right to privacy?

Some people might think that a person who used Google Clips in his home should disclose this information to guests entering the house much like it the common practice of businesses to inform customers that they use cameras for security purposes with signs posted at the entrance. Most people believe that is unethical to not give some sort of announcement when video technologies are in use. Similarly, guests could be uncomfortable with the idea that they are being watched, analyzed, and documented throughout their visit.

If someone should not consent to candid photos being taken throughout the night, should the technology be put away?

Our understanding and beliefs of the ethical usage of photo and video technology are likely to shift due to the development of Google Clips. We must call into question our current beliefs and critique whether or not Google Clips is considered an ethical practice of video technologies. Leaders in technology development,  such as Elon Musk, have publicly criticized Google Clips as being unethical. A “pro-technology” news website, Alphr, remarked, “Even though the hardware itself has been built with an eye to reassurance around security, it nevertheless posits a culture where always-on cameras could become the norm.” Although Google’s seemingly good intentions of attempting to streamline the process of capturing memories, perhaps their approach oversteps the established ethical boundaries society is already questioning.

References

Google Clips. (n.d.) Retrieved December 2, 2018, from https://store.google.com/us/product/google_clips

“That doesn’t even *seem* innocent:” Elon Musk calls out Google’s eerie and invasive Clips camera. Alphr (2018). Retrieved December 2, 2018, from https://www.alphr.com/google/1007272/google-clips-AI-camera