Google Glass: privacy concerns but Aussies would still purchase

While 71% of Aussies are concerned about their privacy regarding Google Glass, 41% would still consider buying them.

The new research comes from research company, Toluna, and sought to understand how Aussies felt about wearable technology such as Google Glass, and their attitudes towards it in terms of privacy.

See the full report below.

Nearly three-quarters of Australians have Privacy Concerns about Google Glass

But two in five would still buy one for the asking price of $1,670 AUD

Sydney, Australia, 21^st March 2014: A survey by leading online research and survey technology provider, Toluna, revealed that whilst 71% of Australian consumers are concerned about some aspect of their privacy, when it comes to Google Glass, nearly half (41%) would still consider buying one when they become available. This is far higher than in the UK or US (27% and 28% respectively), but slightly less than in Singapore where only half (48%) said they would consider purchasing.

The survey was undertaken amongst a representative sample of 500 Australian consumers and aimed to uncover how much they knew about wearable technology and – more specifically – Google Glass. The study also sought to uncover what concerns, if any, consumers had about Google Glass in terms of their own privacy and safety, and that of others. Comparative studies were also carried out in the UK, US and Singapore.

The most cited reason for being wary of privacy when others use Google Glass is that the device has the potential to make private actions become public much more easily (43%). Australians were also concerned about the potential for personal data to be more susceptible to hacking (42%) and others recording their actions without their prior knowledge (40%). Furthermore, well over half (56%) of Australian consumers are worried about the safety of drivers and others if a driver is wearing Google Glass.

“Technological innovations such as Google Glass bring countless opportunities, but they also bring about concerns. We wanted to ascertain how Australians feel about the implications of this new wave of wearable technology, such as Google Glass, and the results were interesting,” said Neil Hayes, Director, Australia & New Zealand, Toluna. “Google Glass is not yet available on the open market, although it is clear that a high proportion of individuals have concerns about the potential impact on their privacy. This is something Google and other tech companies using the technology should address before the product can become mainstream.”

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