The movie industry has long been concerned about the issue regarding moviegoers recording a movie using a smartphone, camera or other device. Google Glass, unlike most other camera-equipped gadgets, could be used to record a movie quite unsuspectingly, and as such, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) – the body that represents the major studios – has made a move to completely ban Glass and similar forms of wearable tech in cinemas.
At its current duration, Glass doesn’t have anywhere near the means to record a whole movie, but then again, if several users were to record different bits and stitch them all together on a computer, any subsequent upload could prove detrimental to box office or general DVD / streaming sales. For any true appreciator of movies, watching a cam-recorded release seems nigh-on unfathomable, but with this practice having gone on for years, the MPAA, along with NATO (National Association of Theatre Owners) has teamed up to officially ban Glass and products offering comparable functionality.
It’s worth noting that most cinemas had already taken steps to prevent the use of Google Glass in theaters, but with this authoritative decision having been taken right from the top, there should be no ambiguity whatsoever. In a joint statement from NATO and the MPAA, the two respective bodies made it completely clear that nobody must even use recording device when enjoying the latest blockbuster:
As part of our continued efforts to ensure movies are not recorded in theaters, however, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward using any recording device while movies are being shown. As has been our long-standing policy, all phones must be silenced and other recording devices, including wearable devices, must be turned off and put away at showtime.
So, not that you would have anyway, but if you’re a Glass owner, don’t head down to the cinema and expect to be able to stroll in without removing your face computer. It’s more than likely that every single worker at these places has been briefed on these latest developments, and with one movie lover having even been detained by the FBI for wearing Glass during a showing, any attempt to flout the rules will surely be more trouble than it’s worth.
(via: BusinessInsider)
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