Journal 8

"Google Spy"

By Michael Agger

Recently, Google has created a new addition to the Google family. Google Street View has emerged by sending a van to take 360-degree shots around major cities in the U.S.A. It captures the happenings of day to day people, places, and things. What seemed like an interesting phenomenon, has become a concern for some. Mary Kalin-Casey expressed privacy concerns when she saw her own cat sitting in the window, then by zooming in, could tell it was a tabby. Google takes the stand that they only present everyday happenings that you could see if you were walking down the street. The have also created a page where you can have things removed if you are uncomfortable with them being viewed. Google remains committed to the view that this can be a beneficial program in the future. For example, for someone doing research or for those who may want to check out a neighborhood they are considering moving in to.

Is this innovative thinking or disastrous?

In my opinion, I believe that this could lead to more disaster than good. There are too many people with too much time on their hands that could turn this into something very ugly. I think that if they put some security measures on it, maybe it could be helpful. I do not think that it should be accessible to everyone.

What is the real motive behind the program?

Is it educational? Who is it beneficial to? I think that if it is used to study other cultures or to offer insight to specific occupations, it may be considered beneficial, but to have it for people just to sit and watch each other because they have nothing better to do is creepy. I do not feel safe knowing that someone could be sitting in their living room watching me live my life. That is totally different than the stranger you may pass by who says "hello".