After its launch in the United Kingdom this week, the government has warned Google Glass users against risks of violating privacy and data protection laws using the gadget.

The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) said wearers of the Glass and other similar technologies are effectively covered by the same rules applied to CCTV cameras in terms of recording people and showing them in public without their permission.

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Much like any smartphone, the Google Glass can provide information and recorded data via a display screen inside the glasses' lens. Activated by voice command 'OK, Glass', the wearable technology can take photographs and video footages depending on what the wearer 'says'.

The UK provacy agency opened the debate concerning privacy implications of using Google Glasses that may breach laws such as the UK Data Protection Act.

"If you are using a wearable technology for your own use then you are unlikely to be breaching the Act. This is because the Act includes an exemption for the collection of personal information for domestic purposes," ICO Senior Technology Officer Andrew Patterson stated in a blog.

Patterson also stated that organizations' use of wearable technology to process personal information will likely be covered under the Act and should make sure that people are being informed about how their details are being collected and used, and should obtain necessary and adequate data only.

"If wearable technology is able to capture video or pictures, then organizations must address the issues raised in out CCTV Code of Practice," he said, adding that "an update to the code is currently out for consultation."

Although the Patterson applauded this pogress of wearable technology that can bring about thrilling possibilities, he reminded organizations that even these andvances should still be used with care and in compliance with data and privacy laws.

TagsGoogle Glass, ICO, Data Protection Act