[rld]

It's not the same to be observed by some invisible or unknown entity than to be observed directly by a person. Someone pointing a digital camera at a person is usually more disturbing than a CCTV camera doing the same thing.

Also, Google Glass may be constantly recording in private places usually without CCTV: homes, dinner tables, meetings, etc.

[droithomme]

In my opinion, both are equally disturbing. CCTV often though we don't notice, don't have a choice, or can't as easily express, "WTF is your problem" towards the obnoxious person recording us without consent and clearing exactly what they plan to do with these recordings. When buying stuff at the store, the store does not offer my the option of consent regarding their ubiquitous camera systems. However, the hope is that the camera systems in this context will not be used to exploit, ridicule, or manipulate my very thoughts. With a person I am interacting with, the odds are not as good, but consent of interaction is also easier to withdraw without seriously affecting my ability to survive. I can choose to interact with people who aren't constantly recording me, if I prefer.

Myself I like making field recordings of nature sounds. I've noticed though that a lot of people are concerned when I pull out my Zoom field recorder and start recording them during conversations. They generally don't like it. I don't blame them. I don't like it either. So I either record discretely (which is illegal in many states) or not at all. I don't blame them for not wanting me to record their private conversations though, because their concerns and their desires to have a private conversation are completely legitimate.