Google on Friday said that it would not approve any Glass app that uses facial recognition technology, at least until it has some privacy protections in place. When Google started the Glass Explorer Program nearly a year ago the company wanted to make people active participants in shaping the future of this technology ahead of a broader consumer launch. Since the wide open nature and the Glass Project concept allowed it, some companies were teased to offer apps that could take advantage of a facial recognition technology. But due to privacy concerns, Google is not allowing it:

"We've been listening closely to you, and many have expressed both interest and concern around the possibilities of facial recognition in Glass. As Google has said for several years, we won't add facial recognition features to our products without having strong privacy protections in place. With that in mind, we won't be approving any facial recognition Glassware at this time," Google's Glass Team said in a blog post.

Google's announcement follows a letter sent by members of a U.S. congressional group to Google CEO Larry Page, requesting information on how the device handles privacy issues. Their questions focus on whether Glass would be able to use facial recognition technology to reveal personal information about people, or whether users would be able to request that information.

Glass lets wearers take pictures, record video, send messages, or perform other tasks with touch controls or by speaking followed by a command. Yje device connects to the Internet using Wi-Fi or by being wirelessly tethered to mobile phones. Pictures or video can be shared through the Google+ social network.