Larissa
In my opinion, I think that the new Google Street View Map is a very innovative idea. When you first look at it, you’re mesmerized by it. At least I was. But I guess if you look hard enough you’ll find flaws with anything. With the evolving technology of the 21st century, it’s predictable that it will come with some complications. Google attaches a 360 degree camera on top of their van and drove around clicking pictures where they later put it in panoramic view. So now you are able to zoom to street level and roam around. But some pictures at street level contain images of people that some people can argue invade their privacy. Pictures of license plates, for example, I too agree, is a invasion of privacy but Google has done its part and blurred out the numbers and faces of people in an attempt to salvage some privacy. Let’s take a look at some of these photos of Google Street View.
Even though at first glance you may think that this is an invasion of privacy it is not. Because these girls are at a park which is public property thus making it perfectly fine. If they can sunbathe in a public area does it really matter if a photo is taken. It would be the same if I took a picture and posted it on the internet. But since their in public domain, oh well it's their fault, they'll know better next time.
Oh lookie here, what do we have? We have a man trying to break into a house. Isn't that a crime? Well see the street view doesn't only have to be used for bad things, there are much more positive things that it can be used for. To quote BO DIETL, FOMER NYPD DETECTIVE "1984, we had the Palm Sunday Massacre on Liberty Avenue, 10 people dead, eight kids. The guy who did the murder was parked out in front. We tried to get an ASTAT satellite reading of the car, we could not read the plate.If we could have, we could have known who the murderer was at that time. I think this is one of the most fabulous pieces of technology for law enforcement. It's beyond anything. I'm so happy."
With all these potentially embarrassing or private moments available to the entire world, the privacy question comes into play. Many people were bothered by the images they discovered in “Street View.” Google Spokeswoman Megan Quinn said, “This imagery is no different from what any person can readily capture or see walking down the street. Imagery of this kind is available in a wide variety of formats for cities all around the world.” Legal analysts believe that Google has every right to take pictures in public places so any lawsuits filed again the Internet giant would most likely be dismissed. Google also mentions that they have no intention of harming anyone with the new tool but helping. They have provided a way to submit a request that a certain image be removed if it causes any serious privacy concerns although they claim they have had very few removal requests. They are also working with different organizations to blur out any images where someone’s privacy or anonymity would be in jeopardy. Although most people probably find this mildly intrusive, it is a good sign of times to come in the changing world of technology.
source:http://www.romow.com/internet-blog/google-street-view-more-privacy-controversy-surrounding-google/
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,277140,00.html
