As the mysterious Google Glass technology continues to race toward the market, the product has inspired quite an array of reactions, from science fiction fantasies to staunch questions of privacy. The Google Glass technology positions hands-free cameras in front of the users’ eyes, allowing them to take pictures and access digital information (as they would on a smartphone) while still remaining fully grounded in the real world. But while the technology opens up many doors for the technologically inclined–for example, the hands-free nature of the device can allow for safer highway navigation and communication than a hand-held device–it has also begged a different question: how do you know who’s watching (or taking pictures) when cameras are suddenly inconspicuous?

Evidently, Google has heard the outcry. Though facial-recognition software was originally speculated to be a feature of Google Glass, Google said in a statement Friday that they would be holding off on such capabilities until they develop stronger guards for privacy.

“We’ve been listening closely to you, and many have expressed both interest and concern around the possibilities of facial recognition in Glass,” a Google rep wrote. “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.”

The move is probably a good public relations strategy for Google to take, considering the images of spy films and creepy stalkers that the Google Glass technology has inspired for some. According to various reports, numerous states had been considering putting bans on the product altogether, while casinos have worried that facial recognition software might assist users to cheat on the game floor and beat the house.

However, the same article noted that Google’s decision to withhold their own facial recognition apps could ultimately prove superfluous. Third-party apps have become an increasingly notable presence within the mobile phone world as of late, especially on the Android market, where open-source programs are a selling point. How long after Google Glass becomes a prevalent tech gadget will freelance developers create applications to do exactly what the product’s privacy dissenters are afraid of?

Google Glass is set to enter its “explorer” phase on June 6, at which point a select number of applicants will be given prototypes of the device for testing and feedback. No wider release date has been set, and speculation has provided little clue as to when the mainstream market will be able to get its hands on glass. The company originally projected a summer 2014 launch.