Filed under: Internet, Web services, Web
California targets internet maps, seeks blurry buildings
The goal is to prevent terrorists from being able to obtain detailed images of buildings and surrounding areas by using Google Earth. But it's not like a terrorist or an amateur photographer couldn't just stand in front of these public buildings and snap their own photos, or use pictures already posed on internet photo sharing services like Flickr and Picasa.
Some companies have already taken steps to blur or remove sensitive information including detailed photos of military bases or pictures of shelters for abused women.
It's not clear if and when the California bill will come up for debate in the state Assembly. Just because a lawmaker introduces a bill doesn't necessarily mean it's going anywhere anytime soon.
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The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
denten said 1:08PM on 3-04-2009
This is asinine. Let's spend public funds to create a target list for terrorists. Not sure which part of the building to blow up? Just go for the part that is blurry.
I do not understand this new-found obsession with public photography. How exactly will a terrorist use these photos? Will they learn something they cannot by simply watching the building?
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Ivan said 2:28PM on 3-04-2009
Its all about access to information. People with ill intentions are going to do it with or without your help, so why make it easy? I mean, why don't we just digitize all credit card receipts that expose your name and full CC number and let anyone who wants just search on it and look it up?
k4ffy said 3:13PM on 3-04-2009
@Ivan: you're an idiot
frogers41 said 1:45PM on 3-11-2009
I agree, take away a little more of our mind on the idea of terrorist might do something to take away our mind?
Jim In Hi-Fi said 1:19PM on 3-04-2009
to prevent terrorism? give me a break
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Mark said 2:28PM on 3-04-2009
That argument is so stupid. I mean they have a map to the exact location, does it honestly matter that they can't read something on a building. I'm really sick of "Turrists!" fearmongering being used as an excuse for dumb laws.
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bigswirv said 2:28PM on 3-04-2009
I think you guys are missing the point ... its all about access to information. They are trying to make it more difficult for whoever to get their information. Why spoon feed it to them?
You wouldn't want someone building a database of credit cards and posting all the names and numbers for anyone to use? If someone wants to steal your credit card or identity, I would think you want them to have to work for it instead of "googling" (not a verb or a word) it.
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Peter said 6:33PM on 3-04-2009
Ivan, is that you?
Jim In Hi-Fi said 10:57PM on 3-04-2009
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/google
PS_4 said 2:28PM on 3-04-2009
lmao. Perhaps september 11 would never of happened had google maps not existed. I'm sorry but if I'm allowed to walk down any street and take pictures of buildings, then why couldn't google? If you don't want your building to be seen, build a big wall around it. That might also protect you from the terrorists. In the meantime, tin hats are 50% off at walmart this week.
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Rocketboy said 2:29PM on 3-04-2009
Methinks someone's taking the term "Google Bomb" a bit to literal.
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Tom said 4:40PM on 3-04-2009
Has Google Maps been around since 2001?
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Rob said 5:35PM on 3-04-2009
So by this logic, the government could make anyone who has a picture of a 'public building' posted on flickr, picassa web, facebook, myspace, youtube, etc. blur their photos.
Yeah,.. this is stupid.
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Peter said 6:33PM on 3-04-2009
Security by obscurity doesn't work.
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Shady said 10:57PM on 3-04-2009
Let's all just start posting pictures of different government buildings to our flickr accounts. I live on a hill over a police station in S. Cal that is being built.
(Maybe I can sell them on e-bay).
This will keep somebody employed chasing photos around the web.
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bigswirv said 10:57PM on 3-04-2009
Yeah that was me ... twice ... my bad
@k4ffy ... contribution = nothing ... thanks for coming
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Nic said 10:50AM on 3-05-2009
You honestly don't think that terrorists can afford Satellite imaging....get real. If they can missiles they can afford satellites...give me a break.
Everyone thought it was a joke in England, but they find it necessary to do it here now, honestly?
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Diddle said 4:29PM on 3-07-2009
What's next, asking people to blur their Flickr posts? :rolleyes:
"The Man" is at it again, all paranoid and such.
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Dianne said 1:54PM on 3-11-2009
No, according to the web archives, google maps has only been around since 2005.
http://web.archive.org/web/*/maps.google.com
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e said 2:12PM on 3-11-2009
Obscurity may not be security, but it sure helps. Ask anyone who's been stalked and/or a victim of domestic violence. Private residences do not belong on Google Earth either.
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