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California targets internet maps, seeks blurry buildings
The goal is to prevent terrorists from being able to obtain detailed images of buildings and surrounding areas by using Google Earth. But it's not like a terrorist or an amateur photographer couldn't just stand in front of these public buildings and snap their own photos, or use pictures already posed on internet photo sharing services like Flickr and Picasa.
Some companies have already taken steps to blur or remove sensitive information including detailed photos of military bases or pictures of shelters for abused women.
It's not clear if and when the California bill will come up for debate in the state Assembly. Just because a lawmaker introduces a bill doesn't necessarily mean it's going anywhere anytime soon.
Comments
25
Subscribe to commentsdentenMar 4th 2009 1:08PM
This is asinine. Let's spend public funds to create a target list for terrorists. Not sure which part of the building to blow up? Just go for the part that is blurry.
I do not understand this new-found obsession with public photography. How exactly will a terrorist use these photos? Will they learn something they cannot by simply watching the building?
IvanMar 4th 2009 2:28PM
Its all about access to information. People with ill intentions are going to do it with or without your help, so why make it easy? I mean, why don't we just digitize all credit card receipts that expose your name and full CC number and let anyone who wants just search on it and look it up?
k4ffyMar 4th 2009 3:13PM
@Ivan: you're an idiot
frogers41Mar 11th 2009 1:45PM
I agree, take away a little more of our mind on the idea of terrorist might do something to take away our mind?
Jim In Hi-FiMar 4th 2009 1:19PM
to prevent terrorism? give me a break
MarkMar 4th 2009 2:28PM
That argument is so stupid. I mean they have a map to the exact location, does it honestly matter that they can't read something on a building. I'm really sick of "Turrists!" fearmongering being used as an excuse for dumb laws.
bigswirvMar 4th 2009 2:28PM
I think you guys are missing the point ... its all about access to information. They are trying to make it more difficult for whoever to get their information. Why spoon feed it to them?
You wouldn't want someone building a database of credit cards and posting all the names and numbers for anyone to use? If someone wants to steal your credit card or identity, I would think you want them to have to work for it instead of "googling" (not a verb or a word) it.
PeterMar 4th 2009 6:33PM
Ivan, is that you?
Jim In Hi-FiMar 4th 2009 10:57PM
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/google
PS_4Mar 4th 2009 2:28PM
lmao. Perhaps september 11 would never of happened had google maps not existed. I'm sorry but if I'm allowed to walk down any street and take pictures of buildings, then why couldn't google? If you don't want your building to be seen, build a big wall around it. That might also protect you from the terrorists. In the meantime, tin hats are 50% off at walmart this week.
RocketboyMar 4th 2009 2:29PM
Methinks someone's taking the term "Google Bomb" a bit to literal.
TomMar 4th 2009 4:40PM
Has Google Maps been around since 2001?
RobMar 4th 2009 5:35PM
So by this logic, the government could make anyone who has a picture of a 'public building' posted on flickr, picassa web, facebook, myspace, youtube, etc. blur their photos.
Yeah,.. this is stupid.
PeterMar 4th 2009 6:33PM
Security by obscurity doesn't work.
ShadyMar 4th 2009 10:57PM
Let's all just start posting pictures of different government buildings to our flickr accounts. I live on a hill over a police station in S. Cal that is being built.
(Maybe I can sell them on e-bay).
This will keep somebody employed chasing photos around the web.
bigswirvMar 4th 2009 10:57PM
Yeah that was me ... twice ... my bad
@k4ffy ... contribution = nothing ... thanks for coming
NicMar 5th 2009 10:50AM
You honestly don't think that terrorists can afford Satellite imaging....get real. If they can missiles they can afford satellites...give me a break.
Everyone thought it was a joke in England, but they find it necessary to do it here now, honestly?
DiddleMar 7th 2009 4:29PM
What's next, asking people to blur their Flickr posts? :rolleyes:
"The Man" is at it again, all paranoid and such.
DianneMar 11th 2009 1:54PM
No, according to the web archives, google maps has only been around since 2005.
http://web.archive.org/web/*/maps.google.com
eMar 11th 2009 2:12PM
Obscurity may not be security, but it sure helps. Ask anyone who's been stalked and/or a victim of domestic violence. Private residences do not belong on Google Earth either.