Is Google Street View an Invasion of Privacy?

1. 59

   Guy Foxeposted 13 years ago

   Is Google Street View an Invasion of Privacy?
   
   A recent story on the NPR show, In the Media, discussed opposition to Google Street View, a feature as I'm sure you know that takes searchable 360 degree views of city streets.  Groups argue that the feature invades privacy.  What do you think?
   
   

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2. 54

   sunny5555posted 13 years ago

   I do not think there is anything wrong with it as long as it stays in the streets. Everyone from windows to walking the streets can see it any way. It is out in the public view.

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   rotlposted 13 years ago

   I do think it's an invasion of privacy. I don't want my home broadcast to the whole world.

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4. 0

   Yarightposted 13 years ago

   I think Google had a great idea to begin with, but why would anyone need to see a street view? That's what maps are for, and our own two eyes.
   
   I indeed in some circumstances believe it is an invasion of privacy, but what they are doing is completely legal. Just like you and I can go take all the pictures we want of anywhere in the world. I don't think they should include street views of residential areas. Maybe only just street views of inner city areas.
   
   I've seen some of the funny stuff captured on street view on youtube it's amazing.

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5. 61

   MickSposted 13 years ago

   No, anyone can take photographs in public places, well, in England, despite some of the reports we hear of people being stopped by over officious police and jobsworth security guards.   I don't know about that situation in other countries.

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6. 68

   Smaridge01posted 13 years ago

   When you consider that the street view cameras can see no more than what anyone could see walking down the street, I don't believe it is an invasion of privacy.
   
   If they used telephoto to look into your windows, that would be an invasion of privacy.  But I don't think that's the case.
   
   The views are very helpful when you are trying to figure out where you are going, or what it will be like trying to navigate a busy intersection and so on. I think it's a great idea.
   
   I don't feel like it's much of a broadcast though, as those views are buried in millions of others and so not likely to be found by many people.
   
   (I was going to attach a picture from street views of my house, but they haven't done my street yet! I'm so bummed!)

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   shoganposted 13 years ago

   I'm not sure, but if you don't mind, can you walk back into the kitchen?  That window gives us a better angle.

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8. 59

   petexanhposted 12 years ago

   With respect the the satellite/street views, they are for the most part far from up-to-date information, so its unlikely to be showing what you are getting up to on a day-to-day basis. Its a snapshot potentially months/years old, and fuzzy enough not to easily identify any individual.
   
   Street view is called street view because it is pictures that can only be seen from the street, so anyone can see it in person if they really want it.
   
   I wouldnt consider it any more invasive than a street directory or a phone book, but far more useful. There's plenty of other data out there about us that is more worth worrying about.

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