Big Brother Alert: Lexus, MCI Working to Help Cars Monitor You

[theearthisround]

http://www.informationliberation.com/index.php?id=1071

Toyota said its 2007 Lexus GS 450h sedan, due next spring, will feature what may be the world's first production system to monitor the driver's face.

The system tracks the orientation of the driver's face, using a camera mounted on the steering column and an onboard image-processing computer. When other sensors and processors calculate the probability of a collision, the system activates visible and audible warnings if the driver isn't facing forward.

Teen drivers may think a new system developed by MCI's SkyTel unit is even more Big Brother-like.

The company is now marketing a vehicle tracking device that helps parents keep tabs on their children's driving habits. Called SkyGuard, the device employs a global positioning system to track vehicle speed, location and trip history, including any visits to "restricted" areas, which parents can predesignate. Linked to a wireless network, the data can be accessed remotely by parents through a secure Web site.

(more)
http://www.informationliberation.com/index.php?id=1071


Cameras mounted IN your car montoring you as you drive?
:wtf:

[Enraged_Ape]

1. I hear OnStar can listen in on you without your knowledge

I don't know if they've ever done it, but isn't it kind of scary to know that they have the technology, and people willingly invite that into their vehicles?