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October 16, 2006
Google Earth: Blog 1
I installed Google Earth onto my computer last year, and didn't think anything of it. The first thing I did with the program was try to find my house. I couldn't actually see my house clearly, but I could tell that I had found my neighborhood. It was nothing too impressive.
Recently, I was tagging websites on del.icio.us and I came across an article about Google Earth entitled "The Growing World of Google Earth" that rejuvenated my interest in this program. I searched for my house a second time, and the image was very clear and detailed. Instead of being impressed I was startled. Google has now created a virtual stalking system. Sure, it does have lots of practical uses, such as looking for a hotel that you would book for vacation, but the bottom line is technology makes the world smaller and smaller at a frightening pace.
In fact, this article talks about the increasingly detailed imagery available on Google Earth and its widespread growth. About one country per month is added to this program, and it seems that I'm not the only one concerned about privacy. Many of the countries being added are raising concerns about national security, though Google insists they regulate their satelite pictures according to international treaties. Some countries however, have found a way to fight back and retain more privacy: They restrict the quality of images commercial satellite companies are allowed to take, because these are the companies that sell information to Google Earth.
I just hope that in the future, when my house is googled, you won't know that I'm eating a sandwich on my deck and drinking a glass of lemonade.
-Stefanie Wiener
Posted by stwiener at October 16, 2006 12:51 PM