Ethics and Pervasive Augmented Reality: Some Challenges and Approaches

Abstract

Google has recently announced Project Glass, a plan to embed computers into eyeglasses. Their vision is that technology should “be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don’t.” The main idea behind this technology is called augmented reality. In this chapter I will introduce the main ideas behind augmented reality, and the most interesting examples (so far) of how it is used. I’m most interested, however, in the ethical challenges this technology will present as it becomes pervasive. I describe and explain two examples; augmented reality as an extension of the home (which has privacy implications), and augmented reality advertising (which has implications for property rights and local government). Along the way I will introduce several techniques and concepts that are useful in analyzing the ethics of new technologies, including pervasive information and computing technology (PICT).