Wearable Technology and Privacy for Businesses

BOYNTON BEACH, FL -- Wearable technology is at the forefront of the news lately. Many people are worried about some shifty eyed passer-by with Google Glass, Samsung Gear, or some other device snapping their picture or stealing their personal information. Businesses worry about employees or visitors stealing proprietary information or leaking confidential information to the outside world. Businesses will need to develop policies for the use of wearable technology to protect their own and their customers' information, but what factors do you need to consider when you do so?

Bob Siegel, founder of Privacy Ref, a privacy consultancy, has become an expert on wearable technology by experimenting with Google Glass in business and social situations. Bob wore his Glass while working, visiting clients, attending conferences, riding his bicycle, dining with both friends and family, and even walking his dog. Generally, he was met with three reactions: curiosity, oblivion, and caution.

Teenagers through 20-somethings were impressed and curious, wanting to know how the technology works, what it is like to wear, and how Bob has been using it. This can expected, since the younger generations have grown up with technology and are more accepting of new technology and devices.

Other people were often suspicious. Bob felt what he could only describe as "the creepy" feeling that you get when you are being watched. He could only wonder if people thought he was taking a picture, which is done by simply winking (which in itself is rather creepy). Perhaps he was doing searches on them or worse, stealing personal information. Bob explained that he is not doing any of that, and was open to answering questions to quell any fear this technology inspired. For businesses, other questions were raised, such as what a company would do in regards to implementing new policies, akin to a dress code for wearable devices for employees and visitors.

These new devices pose challenges for a business, but most important is the privacy of the business's confidential material and protection of the personal information of your employees and customers. As wearable technology becomes more ubiquitous, these concerns will only become more pronounced. Businesses need to get ahead of the curve and consider how they will address these issues. To assist this process, Bob has developed a set of recommendations for businesses that are planning to implement a wearable technology program.

On Tuesday, May 13, and again on Tuesday, May 20, Bob Siegel of Privacy Ref, a foremost authority on wearable technology in the privacy world, will be presenting a free webinar on just this. Bob has written articles on the Privacy Ref Blog (http://blogs.privacyref.com), as well as for the International Association of Privacy Professionals, on wearable technology as well as a variety of other real world experiences with privacy. Bob will also answer questions and provide more information on how you can prepare for these new devices in your business.

You can sign up for this free webinar on the Privacy Ref website at http://webinars.privacyref.com