Edition 2
by Iain Watt
GOOGLE EARTH
I've been a big fan of anything Google brings out; I feel that they are slowly becoming the most innovative company in the world. They have provided us so-far with an excellent internet browser (Google Chrome), a desktop utility which can be customized for the user's needs, a spacious and fast and reliable email service, and very soon a mobile phone operating system. And, I remember when Google Earth came out, there was a big hype surrounding it; everyone and anyone in the world could view anywhere in the world, from landmarks to everyday areas. It has many benefits, sure...especially for those who are wanting to move house and see the surrounding area that they are moving into.
This year, Google Earth (and Google Maps) have brought out a new feature called 'Street View', where, rather than just viewing a birds-eye picture of an area which was taken by satellites...you are now literally able to take a virtual walk along any street, almost. And, I thought it was a REALLY cool feature, I could see where my girlfriend lives for example. And I was able to walk along her street and see her neighbouring houses. I didn't use it very often, as I didn't really see why I would NEED to see a person's street, and I would have purpose for that information. The only purpose I may need for 'Street View' is if I was to view a house/apartment when I move to Raleigh, NC. And, honestly, I don't see what anyone needs this information for, apart from that aforementioned idea - but, they can get pictures I'm sure from their estate agent.
I didn't pay much attention to 'Street View', until I seen one of Google's cars with the big cameras mounted on it's roof drive past me. That's when it hit me. They're getting this far now, and taking pictures of what one could describe as a "rural" part of Belfast. And, they've been driving around everywhere it seems. Google has all this information at their fingertips, and even though it's pictures, I'm worried about the future. Please note, that this open letter is not a post-1984 response, or paranoia. This is a very real, and possible situation.
The future, I feel, is that Google Earth will soon have live 24/7 surveillance of EVERYWHERE in the world - anyone could just simply type in your street or city, and a satellite would transmit to you the going's on around there. Obviously, this would take a lot of money and general public support, something that Google is not lacking in already. Looking away from the future, and back to now, just realise that ANYONE can view your street and see your area. For now, it's not live pictures, but what if it was? Google Earth seem to be invading people's privacy, and going into areas where they are not welcome.
We've went from atlases, outlining countries and their borders, to people being able to publicly view exactly where you live. Does that not bother you a little? I'm more worried about the future for now though - imagine seeing a camera or satellite getting right into your face, zooming in on you because someone from anywhere in the world wants to see it. Scary, isn't it? I think Google Earth need to stop with Street View, and particularly cease any future initiatives regarding live feeds...these feeds could be viewed by the wrong people, and lead to serious crime and spying.
Iain Watt
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