Is Google going too far?

[Troy]

I was using google maps to get driving directions the other day. The directions had little icons that looked like cameras next to each step in the directions. I clicked the one next to my address and saw a crystal clear phot of my house:

I the little whte control at the top left hand side of the image allows you to control your perspective. i decided to look around. I turned to my left and saw my car:

Again a very sharp photo. Interestingly the license plate was obsured but you can easily determine the make and model.

I did an about face and traveled down the block and saw my neighbor with his grandson:

Pretty cool huh? I'm not so sure yet.

Google will only get better at this as the technology improves and Google continues to garner more wealth. How long will it be before they make real time access to out streets and neighborhoods Would that be cool too?

Supposed I did not want anyone to "discover" my car in front of that address? Maybe I don't want a photo of me and my child on-line for anyone with a PC and internet connection to see.

Is anyone even thinking about these issues?

[Cynique]

Well, I don't know about Google, Troy, but you sure have some impressive digs! Boat parties that include Zane on the guest list...hob-nobbing with the likes of Cornel West and Bill Withers...leisure trips to Nigeria! Must be nice to be an affluent man of the world!

Seriously, Google certainly sets the stage for a "Big Brother is watching you" society of the future.

[Xeon]

Is Google going to far? It really doesn't matter. Right now, who do you think is winning? Your right to privacy and beliefs about your civil rights or the priorities of Home Land Security and their war on terror? Security cameras are common place throughout Europe and they are every where. Google is just the tip of the iceberg. The security and surveillance tide is moving forward -not backwards. Many people are excited about this technology while others have privacy concerns like you do. Don't matter. They are here to stay and there is nothing you can do about it other than feel anxious or uncomfortable. But I am concerned about Google's servers keeping records of all your internet activity. But what can you do....?

[Troy]

Shoot Google knows everything about me from what kind of porn I like to what I brought my kids for Christmas.

Honestly, I don't have a problem with homeland security recording my movements to PROTECT me. 911 attacked only missed on the order of yards. I do however I get a little antsy when some for profit entity is using the data soley to enrich themselves.

Yeah I know our government usually abuses information and Google might be a company out to do great good, but there must be controls over how this data is used.

Of course there are things we can do to change this. The question is really; is anyone up to doing what it takes to bring about this change? Of course the answer is no -- assuming the average person was aware or cared enough...