July 1, 2008
Google Street View is a good thing
I’m all for people continuing to keep an eye on Google since the Web dynamo has so much power, but I think Google Street View is an amazing resource. I’m happy that my house is on it, and I don’t even mind that my Jeep is clearly visible in my driveway (above).
I think individuals should be able to opt-out if they desire, though I think their homes should be moderately obscured rather than being removed altogether. I can understand wanting to have faces blurred, too. I sure wouldn’t like it if my license plate number were discernible in the photo above, for instance. I disagree with the notion, though, that Google Street View should be an opt-in service:
“If they are going to do that, it seems like there should be some sort of consent,” said Vanderbilt University sportscaster Kevin Ingram, who lives in Hermitage. He said he wasn’t particularly troubled that his own home was pictured, “but they should at least ask.”
It is incredible that technology now grants us the ability to see street corners across the country with a few clicks of a mouse. If residents had to opt-in, though, almost no one would, and it would take a lifetime to get all the approvals needed. Even worse, the few people who did opt in would be easy targets because they would be unusual and easy to find. What makes Street View acceptable, in my opinion, is strength in numbers: If everyone is in there, what does it matter if you are, too?
![Rob Robinson](http://thinktrain.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/Rob.jpg")
DG said,
July 1, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
“What makes Street View acceptable, in my opinion, is strength in numbers: If everyone is in there, what does it matter if you are, too?”
That’s enough for me. I was caught entering my own house in three images, and I thought “no harm, I won’t bother asking to be removed.” But if my inaction will be used as pressure against people who do have a privacy objection, I will ask that my image be removed.
I don’t think you meant it this way, but your argument has the ring of techno-fascism.
Paul Nicholson said,
July 1, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
I always think it is funny that people get caught up about their license plates being visible. I blur them in any photos that i put online, but it seems silly - very much like anyone having a problem with Google Street View.
If it is visible from the curb (or for your plate, visible to anyone that can see your car) for thousands of people driving by that can actually see in detail what you have, where you are at that exact moment - then what’s the big deal about having a 6-9 month old (or older) picture of it available to millions on the internet (and guess what - only a few people will ever bother to look at your street anyway).
Rob Robinson said,
July 1, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
You make a fair point about control, DG. Though I don’t object to Street View, I think it’s good that folks who do are raising their objections. With any technology, I think keeping a close eye on how it is used–and by whom–is wise. I’m definitely not suggesting that Google should have free rein to implement whatever they choose, but for me Street View isn’t a concern. Now if they had technology to show the inside of my home, that would be another story…
Agreed, Paul. I only think it would be a big deal if it were a handful of homes featured rather than the masses. My home doesn’t stand out any more than others on Street View (though it does on this blog, ha ha), and hopefully that means it is as anonymous as any other.
It’s funny to me that this snapshot in time from Google shows a small dead tree that we have since removed from right beside our front porch. It couldn’t survive the heat last summer, so we exhumed it this spring, after the photo was taken. Thank goodness they took the photo after we landscaped our yard.
Rachel said,
July 4, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Rob, Street View caught me and the husband bent over (away from the camera) in the front yard putting in a new flower garden. It’s not our most flattering photo.
Rob Robinson said,
July 4, 2008 @ 7:34 pm
Yikes, Rachel. That is bad timing, but I guess you won’t have to worry about being identified.
I wonder if anyone has collected odd images that have been inadvertently captured on Street View.