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The MPAA Bans Google Glass, Similar Devices From Movie Theaters

The MPAA and the National Association of Theatre Owners have formally announced they're banning Google Glass and other wearable electronics from movie theaters, effective this week. In an updated policy statement, the MPAA insists the organization has a "long history of welcoming technological advances," something not supported by history given Hollywood's continued assault on a long list of emerging and disruptive technologies including the VCR -- which the MPAA in 1982 likened to the Boston strangler.

The full, updated policy:
quote:
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) have a long history of welcoming technological advances and recognize the strong consumer interest in smart phones and wearable “intelligent” devices. 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 show time. Individuals who fail or refuse to put the recording devices away may be asked to leave. If theater managers have indications that illegal recording activity is taking place, they will alert law enforcement authorities when appropriate, who will determine what further action should be taken.
This is the same organization that had a man interrogated by Homeland Security for simply donning Google Glass in a theater (he wasn't recording). At this point it appears pretty clear to most people that Google Glass is a bit of a dud, and isn't really even used all that much -- much less a serious piracy threat. Still, the MPAA is letting us know they're banning a barely-used technology because they love emerging technology so much.

Most recommended from 67 comments


bigballer
join:2014-09-25

6 recommendations

bigballer

Member

great

another reason not to go to the movie theater.

As if expensive tickets, overpriced popcorn, crying kids, and smelly urine stained seats weren't enough.

when is mpaa going to ban cell phones in theaters too?

Sorry MPAA, you're the reason why movie theaters are going bankrupt. I'll take my freedom elsewhere.