Ethical Considerations in Augmented Reality Applications

Augmented reality (AR) is a powerful technology that has a direct effect on the end user experience. AR is a persuasive technology that is already having direct impact on the end user, all the while collecting information about them and their actions. AR is currently being used to advise, inform, track, manipulate, entertain and persuade the end user while collecting and utilizing their data. This technology raises significant ethical concerns. Some of the ethical concerns include how end users will be affected, manipulated, persuaded, or informed by the technology. Further, there are ethical concerns about the use of end user information, privacy and privacy protection. Finally, due to the immersive and persuasive nature of AR applications, the actual physical safety of end users and those around them becomes an ethical concern. Some ethical guidelines are presented for consideration.