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Professor Has Camera Surgically Implanted In the Back of His Head

Posted by samzenpus on from the cheating-impossible dept.

There won't be any cheating in professor Wafaa Bilal's class anymore. The New York University photography professor is having a camera surgically implanted in the back of his head. The camera will take a still picture every minute for one year, and the best shots will be put on display at a new museum in Qatar. Visitors can also watch a live stream of images from the camera which has some NYU administrators and faculty worried about student privacy. "Obviously you don't want students to be under the burden of constant surveillance; it's not a good teaching environment," said Fred Ritchin, associate chairman of the department.

11 of 119 comments (clear)

  1. Why the back? by jeffmeden · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Is there that much interesting stuff going on behind him? As he is a professor, I suspect a lot of the footage will be of the wall behind his desk in his office... Hopefully there is a TV or a window there or something.

    1. Re:Why the back? by somersault · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I'm thinking it will be full of many final year students making rude gestures :)

      --
      which is totally what she said
    2. Re:Why the back? by Lumpy · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Why surgically? This could easily be worn all the time like a collar.

      Honestly, "professors" are getting pretty dimwitted lately, there is ZERO reason to surgically implant a camera except for trying to get infections and nasty medical problems. IF it's not wired to his brain, its pure stupid to implant it.

      A better idea, a non removable waterproof collar with 8 cameras in it capturing a 360 degree view around him. This will not cause the nasty infection that will kill him in 6 months when the battery leaks and pumps heavy metals into his head.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    3. Re:Why the back? by sco08y · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Why surgically? This could easily be worn all the time like a collar.

      Because he's an attention whore.

    4. Re:Why the back? by Jason+Levine · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Not only do I have eyes in the back of our heads to catch my kids getting into trouble, but I can the ability to sense when they are getting into trouble even when they are out of sight. If they're being extremely quiet, they're likely getting into trouble.

      Of course, these "parental super powers" are balanced off by the kids' super powers such as "ability to stretch arms to reach items thought out of their reach" and "ability to tell when mom and dad are having 'alone time' and would prefer not being interrupted."

      --
      My sci-fi novel, Ghost Thief, is now available from Amazon.com.
    5. Re:Why the back? by jav1231 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      My friend who knew me pre-children freaked when he first saw this behavior. Me, him, and my two daughters walking through the grocery store. My eyes looking ahead down the aisle, kids behind me: "Nope, put that back." He turned and said, "Dude! That's creepy!" He has a daughter now.

  2. Not implanted by digitaldc · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The thumbnail-sized camera will be affixed to his head through a piercing-like attachment, his NYU colleagues say.

    Not the same.
    And why is this 'STUFF THAT MATTERS' because it really doesn't matter. You could have the same result by wearing a headband with a camera attached to it.

    --
    He who knows best knows how little he knows. - Thomas Jefferson
  3. Is he Kevin Warwicks long lost brother? by Viol8 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Just another silly attention seeking stunt. What exactly is he trying to prove other than what a fool he is?

    1. Re:Is he Kevin Warwicks long lost brother? by Lumpy · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Proving that an advanced degree and tenure do not make you smart?

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  4. Re:camhat? by golden+age+villain · · Score: 2, Insightful

    They at least mean the doors in his department buildings open automatically for him

    Yes but is that interesting or relevant? To me it's just a PR stunt. This guy is a professor of photography and has a camera implanted in his head. It's just on par.

  5. Worried about student privacy in a classroom??? by MDillenbeck · · Score: 2, Insightful

    My reaction was 'What... the administration thinks a classroom is a private place?!?' Of course, with a camera in the back of one's head, there are certain legal considerations (like not being able to use a public restroom or go into certain areas... and don't stand with your back towards a Swedish military base, as it is illegal to photograph those... and don't use the MTA, as personal photos are allowed until you actually try it, then they will come and kick you out for life... but I'm rambling). However, I really think we are in trouble once we start calling streets, classrooms, stores, and so forth private areas. There is no reasonable expectation of privacy. (Try the acid test, would most people be comfortable having sex there? No? Then it most likely isn't private.)