UK Government mooting ban on Google Glass for drivers: Report

It looks like Google Glass has attracted attention of some government bodies, even before the wearable technology innovation gets released to the public.

According to a new report by Stuff, UK's Department for Transport is looking to ban drivers from wearing Google Glass, Google's smart eyewear device.

The website says that the government department is concerned about the device's potential for distraction from wearing Google Glass while driving, and has taken a pre-emptive decision governing its use.

The website even quotes a Department for Transport (DfT) spokesman saying that it doesn't want individuals to use the device while driving.

The spokesperson said, "We are aware of the impending rollout of Google Glass and are in discussion with the Police to ensure that individuals do not use this technology while driving. It is important that drivers give their full attention to the road when they are behind the wheel and do not behave in a way that stops them from observing what is happening on the road."

This also thwarts the use of Google Glass as a navigation device since it features Google's Navigation service and maps, which are one of the USPs of the device. The report indicates that the Department for Transport would levy a penalty similar to the one imposed when a driver is found to be using a mobile phone while driving.

It's not the first time that use of Google Glass has been prohibited by an entity. Previously, US casinos had banned the use of Glass in their premises saying that these could be used to cheat at card games. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement had issued a directive ordering Atlantic City's 12 casinos to bar casino patrons from using the device.

There has been concern surrounding etiquette while using the recording-capable gadget and they're unnerving everyone from lawmakers to casino operators worried about the potential for hitherto unimagined privacy and policy violations.

The tiny eyeglasses-mounted device are capable of shooting photos, filming video and surfing the Internet. These have only been made available to developers in the US through Google's Glass Explorer programme, but are expected to see a public release in 2014.