Journal # 8
Google Spy: Zooming in on neighbors, nose-pickers, and sunbathers with Street View
By Michael Agger

Google has just introduced a new application called “Google Street View” where they sent out a camera van in varies cities to take 360 degree shots of the city. Their footage is then placed in Google Street View for the public to view and use. However, there was some privacy issues brought to attention by individuals who found themselves on the site. As a result of the high resolution in some of the filming, you are able to see objects in windows, people leaving strip joints and so on. Some of the individuals who found themselves or their property on the site feel that their privacy was being invaded. In disagreement, Google stated that "Street View only features imagery taken on public property and is not real time. This imagery is no different from what any person can readily capture or see walking down the street." They even made a list of all of the images that should be removed. This is a very important issue that should be taken into consideration. I like the idea of the direction that Google is headed and the potential of Street View but at the same time can understand people’s concerns. I believe that there is a difference from someone walking down the street filming or taking photographs to someone filming and posting it on the net for the general population to view.

1.What could is one way that Google could use “Street View” while respecting the privacy of concerned individuals?

Google could use video/Editing, Final Cut, to blur out the images of individuals who do not wish to be identified. This would allow Google to use their collected footage while respecting the privacy of individuals.

2.Could this new development of Street View bring business opportunities for marketing and advertisements of the places that are being recorded and published on-line?

There is always a possibility that if this takes off and even goes international we will see a new direction in business marketing and advertisement that could either be successful or make not much of a difference at all.