Title of Article: "All-seeing Google Street View prompts privacy fears"
Date published: June 1, 2007
Brief description of the ideas in the article:
Google's latest mapping tool "Street View" is so detailed in its photographs that it considerably reveals private spaces and activities. People are fearing that these photographs invade and possibly strip them of privacy. From children on the street to inside living rooms, the pictures are clear and visible by anyone which can easily become a dangerous situation. Google argues that it is the same thing people see everyday and flagging a photo as innapropriate and having it removed is easy. But when it comes to people entering a motel or a hospital UK has laws against it.
Technology:
Dodeca 2360: 360 degree cameras (11 lens camera system, 30 frames per second)
- High Resolution
- Spherical field of view
- Geodesic Geometry
Database (specifically IM Database for Dodeca)
These cameras are mounted on cars and other applications such as backpacks and helmets
Social and Ethical issue at stake: (identify the issue, provide the setting in the article, add your opinion, provide a solution if possible)
Social: Images, in the wrong hands can be dangerous, "I feel like I need to close all my curtains now." Mary Kalin-Casey from California stated in the news article. In my opinion, it's completely understandable that people feel uncomfortable with strangers having access to images of the inside of their living room. It is free and accessible to anyone which makes it dangerous because people may take advantage of this useful tool negatively. For example, a pedafile may see a child walking into their house and know where they live. The only way to prevent this is to use Google Street View and have sensitive photos removed by flagging them or reporting them.
Ethical: Invasion of Privacy. It is wrong to be unable to open your curtains and let the sunlight in your house without having that fear of pictures of your bedroom getting posted online for the world to see. It creates limitations in your house and people in general. Kids may not even be able to play in the park because of parents logically not wanting there children's faces on the internet. In the article, a London spokeswoman comments on a woman's concern about the publication of her children's pictures on the street. This tool definitly limits a person's freedom and should only be available to authorized group of people such as the FBI.
Resources:
Title of Article: "All-seeing Google Street View prompts privacy fears"
Date published: June 1, 2007
Brief description of the ideas in the article:
Google's latest mapping tool "Street View" is so detailed in its photographs that it considerably reveals private spaces and activities. People are fearing that these photographs invade and possibly strip them of privacy. From children on the street to inside living rooms, the pictures are clear and visible by anyone which can easily become a dangerous situation. Google argues that it is the same thing people see everyday and flagging a photo as innapropriate and having it removed is easy. But when it comes to people entering a motel or a hospital UK has laws against it.
Technology:
- Dodeca 2360: 360 degree cameras (11 lens camera system, 30 frames per second)
- High Resolution- Spherical field of view
- Geodesic Geometry
Social and Ethical issue at stake: (identify the issue, provide the setting in the article, add your opinion, provide a solution if possible)
Social: Images, in the wrong hands can be dangerous, "I feel like I need to close all my curtains now." Mary Kalin-Casey from California stated in the news article. In my opinion, it's completely understandable that people feel uncomfortable with strangers having access to images of the inside of their living room. It is free and accessible to anyone which makes it dangerous because people may take advantage of this useful tool negatively. For example, a pedafile may see a child walking into their house and know where they live. The only way to prevent this is to use Google Street View and have sensitive photos removed by flagging them or reporting them.
Ethical: Invasion of Privacy. It is wrong to be unable to open your curtains and let the sunlight in your house without having that fear of pictures of your bedroom getting posted online for the world to see. It creates limitations in your house and people in general. Kids may not even be able to play in the park because of parents logically not wanting there children's faces on the internet. In the article, a London spokeswoman comments on a woman's concern about the publication of her children's pictures on the street. This tool definitly limits a person's freedom and should only be available to authorized group of people such as the FBI.
Resources: