Introduction
Augmented Reality (AR) technology is changing the way we interact with the world around us. From gaming to retail, education to healthcare, AR is finding its way into many aspects of our lives. However, with its growing popularity, concerns are being raised about the implications of AR on privacy and security.
In this blog post, we'll provide an unbiased comparison of the impact of AR on privacy and security, and what steps can be taken to mitigate any potential risks.
Privacy
One of the big concerns with AR technology is its potential impact on privacy. When using AR, the technology can detect and collect data on the user's surroundings, including people, objects, and locations. This data can be used to create a personalized experience for the user, but it also raises concerns about who has access to this data and how it is being used.
According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 54% of Americans are "not too confident" or "not at all confident" in the security of their personal information. This lack of confidence is also reflected in the growing number of data breaches and cyber attacks on companies that hold user data.
Moreover, there have been instances where AR technology has been used to gather personal data without the user's knowledge or consent. For example, the Pokémon GO app was criticized for collecting data on users' location even when the app was not in use.
Security
The potential security implications of AR are also a concern. With AR technology, users are interacting with digital content in the real world, which makes them vulnerable to cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and phishing attacks.
Moreover, there is the possibility of AR content being manipulated to misinform or deceive users. For instance, a malicious actor could create an AR overlay that looks like a legitimate source of information, but actually contains false or harmful content.
Mitigating Risks
Despite the concerns around AR and privacy and security, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks. Here are some of the ways that individuals and companies can protect themselves and their data:
- Be aware of the data that AR applications are collecting and sharing, and only use trusted applications from reputable sources.
- Use privacy settings to control the type of data that AR applications can access, and limit permissions to only what is necessary for the application to function.
- Keep software and applications up-to-date with security patches and updates, and use anti-virus software to protect against malware and other cyber threats.
- Be cautious when interacting with AR content, and verify the source of information before taking action based on the content.
Conclusion
AR technology has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, but it also comes with risks to privacy and security. By being aware of these risks and taking steps to mitigate them, individuals and companies can reap the benefits of AR while protecting themselves and their data.
References:
- Pew Research Center. (2021). Americans’ Attitudes About Privacy, Security and Surveillance. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/11/15/americans-attitudes-about-privacy-security-and-surveillance/
- Staahl, D., Albrechtsen, E., & Sørensen, J. (2019). Augmented Reality and Privacy: A Review of Current Challenges and Opportunities. In Privacy and Identity Management. Data for Better Living: AI and Privacy (pp. 265-278). Springer, Cham.