"Small cameras can now be embedded in the screen or hidden around it, tracking who looks at the screen and for how long. The makers of the tracking systems say the software can determine the viewer's gender, approximate age range and, in some cases, ethnicity — and can change the ads accordingly."Check out this article, When you watch these ads, the ads check you out, about the use of cameras to gather feedback about the person watching the advertisement.
What do you think?
A video camera that watches you while a screen talks to you? Sounds an awful like 1984's telescreens. The manufacturers make assurances as to the non-specific and adverstising-only nature of this product, but it seems all too easy for the government to make a Patriot Act amendment and switch the sensor out with a camera. And why do companies need all this information anyway? Middle-aged people buy video games for kids, men buy mini-vans and the elderly might be trying something new with an ipod. It just seems like overkill, especially with the price.
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