Pentagon bans Google from mapping military bases
March 8, 2008 by kimhilts
I happened to run across this article which explains how Google has been banned from using Street View on U.S. military bases after images of a Texas base ended up on Google Maps. Street View is a feature which allows the viewer to choose a location he/she would like to zoom in on, and show a panoramic view of the chosen area at street level. While this feature is very interesting and can be very helpful at times for locating landmarks or buildings in the area, many question both the morality and legality of Street View. Many cities in the United States can now be viewed using Street View, but the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has concerns regarding federal privacy laws if it was used in Canada. I’m interested as to what my fellow privacy-loving Canadians think of Street View, so if you have any thoughts or concerns, please feel free to post them here!! Here is a news report I found on YouTube regarding Street View. Enjoy!!
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Certainly an issue which has a variety of perspectives. I think about that fact that currently I don’t know of any laws that prohibit me from walking downtown, taking a picture and posting it on flickr. My understanding that if you’re in a public place, that’s understood. For years newspapers and TV news shows have taken random photos and video and published them without consent so I’m not sure why this is different other than its sheer volume.
To a certain extent, privacy is dead. Good, bad or otherwise, that’s the way it is.
Hmm, I suppose I’ve always been ok with the idea of Streetview because it is possible to travel the world from your very home. I also thought it was a good idea for people like me who need landmark directions when traveling, instead of drive north 3 miles. I definatly agree with Dean though in the fact that privacy is a thing of the past. I think people are going to spy around the world whether “Street view” is available or not.
I would have to agree with both of you. I’m much more of a visual learner when it comes to directions… I have more luck getting around by picking out landmarks such as a red brick building or a giant billboard display to help me get to where I’m going. Viewers can also report photos in Street View if they wish to have them removed if there is ever any sort of conflict, but is recording images inside a military base going too far? Do you think there should be restrictions and limitations on where Street View can be used? Are people on a military base entitled to more privacy than someone out for a jog?
Interesting… This topic of street view and online maps is a touchy one. As much as it is a great resource and a good idea, to get directions, i understand the concern of some organizations. Privacy is a big issue, as depending on how close or zoomed the people and property are exposed, and government agencies could be more venerable due to public knowledge of there locations and facilities. At the same time i agree that technology has and continues to eliminate privacy and most people are used to it. As long as there is a happy medium and an option for removal of shots on request i wouldn’t see a problem.