This is actually implemented in Picasa’s Web Albums, not the desktop Picasa.

Google doesn’t “keep your facial recognition profile.”

Google’s Picasa program, which runs on YOUR OWN computer, keeps the profiles. You’ve offered NO evidence that the “profiles” are sent to Google’s servers.

The only thing going to Google are tags going to Google about who is in a photo.

And that, as mentioned above already, is no more of a privacy concern than Picasa users manually tagging people, or using tools on MySpace, Facebook, etc. to do the same.

The phrase “…begs the question…” is NOT poor english at all.

It is a phrase that is often used in a rhetorical context, such as journalism, written text, and speeches. It is not uncommon to hear it used in casual conversation.

Perhaps YOU should do some research first – I’d suggest the nearest Roget’s Thesaurus – before you stick your foot firmly in your mouth again.

It does not “beg the question” – it raises the question.

Never mind that family members are a far higher threat to kids than some Internet stranger.

I totally agree with Allan and Josh. This is just automating something that Aunt Ethel can already do manually.

I say don’t trust your family and dictate to them your own privacy policy. They are probably a bigger threat to your privacy than Google.

1. take a photo of you
2. tag the photo with your name or whatever they want
3. publish that photo

Why does it raise privacy concerns that a sub-set of 2 can be automated? These systems have been deployed in airports for a while, and I am sure around important government buildings.