Tech & Biz

Google, Get Offa My Street: Daily Mail

by Jordan Yerman | July 11, 2008 at 08:45 am

469 views | 5 Recommendations | 4 comments

The Daily Mail has an article about Google Streets, with plenty of breathless language about privacy, though the article makes no reference to the surveillance culture in which the UK already lives.

The internet giant's StreetView website will allow anyone in the world to type in a UK address or postcode and instantly see a 360-degree picture of the street.

It will include close-ups of buildings, cars and people. Critics say the site is a 'burglar's charter' that makes it easy for criminals to check out potential victims.

The pictures also show people leaving and entering hospitals, health clinics, adult shops and hotels. Although their faces are deliberately blurred, many could still be recognised by their clothing and hair colour.

I don't know about this being useful for burglars, as the maps are far from real-time. Surely driving past the house will be more effective. As for privacy, photographing front doors is legal just about everywhere I can think of. Creepy, but legal. If you see the Google Van coming (perhaps it's behind the Vengabus), just tack an obscene message over your front door... or a sign that says "Yahoo! Search", or, for the old-school, "Hotbot". See if it ends up on Google Streets. Personally, I'm curious about that.

While probably not too useful for serious crime (not as useful as RFID tags in high-end electronics), Google Earth has proven effective for teenagers seeking secret soiree spots. (see Stealth Pool Parties)

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mchawk

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 10:09 on July 11th, 2008

jordan, I like this story. It's good stuff, even though the Mail makes me want to slam my head in a door!

Good old Daily Mail, ranting about an American company, when they're never too bothered about the UK having more CCTV cameras, per-head, than Communist China (says he, channelling his best Tabloid invective).

I often wonder what the average age is of reporters at the Mail (or Telegraph, for that matter), when compared to the Independent or Guardian. It's like they're from a whole different generation, fearing change. I've just taken a glance at their website front-page. The hubris-to-pixel ratio is off the scale!

Jordan Yerman

at 11:06 on July 11th, 2008

Indeed, all the article needs is some exclamation marks. Thanks for the flag!

mchawk

at 03:59 on July 15th, 2008

Here's a turn-up for the books.

There's me, all la-di-da about Stree View happening in America, and Channel 4 News catch a glimpse of the Street View car right here in the UK!

Channel 4 News has photographed what is believed to be the first evidence Google's controversial new Street View service in the UK.

Street View currently provides 360 degree panoramic street-level views of major cities in the USA, allowing users to gain a real sense of a location that is not offered through conventional satellite and aerial photography.

Our photographer stumbled across a Google StreetView car capturing footage in a north London suburb. The side of the car, which cannot be seen from the image, said "Google Maps".

Bob Macdonald (not verified)

at 04:52 on July 15th, 2008

The crazy thing is Brit's are all tracked in real time by the government. I can't walk out my front door before cameras start tracking me. My mobile phone tracks me, my Oyster card tracks me, the web, debit card - it goes on. They know everything about you and then share it with employers. It is a very sinister place.