According to the Associated Press, in the wake of a plot to destroy jet fuel lines at New York’s JFK airport, Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D, NY) said recently that Google should blur images of potential terrorist targets. Adding to that, he also stated that the high-tech internet is aiding terrorists looking to gain valuable intelligence on major targets.
Gianaris called for Google to blur images such as airports, chemical plants, and military bases, the AP reports. The story points out that Gianaris has written three letters to Google and has received one response so far. Stating that there are enough security measures in place, the letter adds, “…anyone who flies above or drives by a piece of property can obtain similar information. Google takes security concerns very seriously, and is always willing to discuss them with public agencies and officials.”
While Google does take security matters seriously and is working to resolve several standing issues, there are still some concerns with privacy and security. One point in case is the privacy and security issues with Street View. Many who live in New York, and visitors know that just after 9-11, there was a rule about the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, no photos are allowed. On Google’s Street View, there is an interior shot of the tunnel reaching almost the entire length.
Privacy issues were raised when Mary Kalin-Casey asked Google to remove images of her cat, and her apartment that were located on Street View. Police crime scenes were captured, and there are scores of crystal clear images of license plates, and houses. “I can almost imagine stalkers hanging in bars, complaining how stalking someone just isn’t fun anymore because it’s so damn easy. Don’t get us wrong: Google Maps and Street View are fantastic technologies which have brought a lot of good into our lives. But you can’t turn a blind eye on the downsides, either,” said Stan Schroeder, on a Mashable Blog.
Google is working to ease the worries of those who are worried about privacy and security. In a statement regarding Street View the company said, “Street View only features imagery taken on public property. This imagery is no different from what any person can readily capture or see walking down the street.” The same is said for Google Earth but the difference is that the images are overhead and in some cases offer grainy images. One example of privacy protection related to Street View is the removal of images for shelters where domestic violence victims can turn to when help is needed. This step was taken even before the tool’s launch.
Google’s technology will always spark both negative and positive remarks. While some of the toys are fun and in the case of Google Earth and Street View, there are whole communities that have sprouted up supporting the tools in a sort of fun filled mayhem. While that is all fine and good, you really cannot ignore the potential for abuse. It is a case of trust, giving Google the ability to do the right thing and manage security and privacy properly.
Your Talkback on this Story