Google Street Views
The blogosphere has been abuzz with discussion regarding the new feature of Google Maps: Google Street Views (see example here). If you haven’t already heard about this, catch up, then come back.The question being raised is whether or not this feature is a violation of privacy. Is it OK for Google to have vans drive around cities taking pictures of the streets and sights, even if that means taking your picture as you walk to the corner store? Technically, they’re not breaking any laws by taking pictures of public places. In fact, what people are forgetting is that these street views could actually be useful for when you’re getting directions to a place you’ve never been before. I’ve stared at the satellite view many times wondering what the buildings really looked like, wondering how I would recognize them; street views would have been helpful, especially since I guide myself more by landmarks than road signs, as many people do.
However, despite the usefulness, Google may have crossed the line, invading our privacy a little too much. There’s a definite "ick" factor to knowing that venturing out of your house means you could wind up immortalized on the net, maybe even without your knowledge. I imagine this is how celebrities feel about the paparazzi, but at least they have millions of dollars to help them cope with the mental anguish. I think what Google did wrong here was following the standard protocol of secrecy until the press release. While I understand their concern for another company scooping their idea, an announcement that they were going to drive around your town taking pictures before they actually drove around taking pictures could have some eased concerns in advance. And instead of a nondescript black van, a branded vehicle would have been a better choice…"Smile! You’re on Google Street Maps! — To have your photo removed, call 1-888-NO-MAP-ME."
The question remains…how much of your privacy are you willing to give up for useful features and cool tools? Me, I’m open; I think privacy is dead anyway and the sooner we bow to our Google overlords, the better.
But that’s just me…what do you think?
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The street views are really helpful… I’ve already used them several times when looking up directions. I didn’t really notice any distinguishable faces of people in the photos, however, so I don’t see what the issue about privacy is about.
I think if they removed the zoom, it’d be just as useful without having privacy issues. At the default zoom you can’t tell who anyone is, it’s only when you zoom in that people become recognizable.