Google Begins to Lobby as States Propose to Ban Google Glass
Last November, we posted about one of the first driving incidents related to Google Glass, when Google Glass Explorer Cecilia Abadie was pulled over for wearing Glass. While she received a citation for driving a car with a video screen in front of her, under California V C section 27602 Television, a San Diego court later dismissed the ticket for lack of proof that Abadie was operating the glasses while driving, reports The Associated Press.
States Proposing Google Glass Bans While Driving
Now, some states are beginning to take note and are proposing legislation that would outright ban Google Glass while driving, reports Ars Technica. A total of eight states have proposed legislation that would ban Google Glass, reports Reuters, and they are: Missouri, Delaware, Illinois, New York, Maryland, West Virginia, New Jersey and Wyoming.
Google's Lobbying Efforts
Google has become proactive and enlisted the efforts of John Borovicka, a man with political ties to say the least. Borovicka is a political director for current Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and was a political director for President Obama's former chief of staff, according to Reuters. Illinois State Senator Ira Silverstein -- the legislator who introduced the Google Glass ban bill -- told Reuters that Borovicka paid him a visit to "lobby against the legislation."
Google lobbyists have also contacted politicians from Delaware and Missouri, while they have not contacted law makers in New York, Maryland and West Virginia. Politicians from New Jersey and Wyoming did not respond to Reuters' inquiries regarding whether they were contacted by Google.
Too Much Too Soon?
Google's main argument against a Google Glass ban is that "regulation would be premature because Google Glass is not yet widely available," according to state officials who spoke to Reuters. In this particular instance, law makers are making an effort to stay ahead of technology, rather than falling behind technological advancements -- as they should since safety is a huge concern. In 2012 alone, more than 3,000 people died as a result of distracted driving (texting or otherwise), according to the Government's website Distraction.gov.
Delaware Representative Joseph Miro (Rep) stated: "I'm not against Google or Google Glass. It may have a place in society ... My issue is that while you are driving, you should have nothing that is going to impede the concentration of the driver."
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Related Resources:
- What Does it Take to Become a Glasshole? 50 Words and $1500 (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)
- Google Glass: Best Networking Tool Ever? (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)
- Driver Not Culpable for Wearing Google Glass; Wait, What? (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)