subject: Why Google Earth May Be A Threat To Privacy And Security [print this page] Google Earth has certainly upgraded how maps should be. Maps now have refined imagery which can be viewed at the nearest possible perspective. You now have an image of almost all places on earth, even those far to reach areas. Aside from exploring the surface of the earth, you can also obtain data by just a simple mouse click.
It is cool to have a powerful satellite that acts as a huge telescope from space. However since almost everything can be seen virtually by anyone, Google Earth can easily threaten privacy and security.
Critics say foul
The threat to invasion of privacy is one of the most controversial issues being faced by the people from Google Earth.As an example, former Indian President APJ Abduk Kalam expressed concern that some sensitive locations in India were being displayed in high-resolution pictures. On a smaller scale, some more residents oppose to the idea of readily displaying their homes to anyone who can access this tool. If an abusive user gains access to these information, it is safe to conclude that harm is just inevitable.
Concerns from residential areas and property owners rose because information and images were readily available through Google Earth. In other cases, former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam points out his worry that some sensitive locations in India are easily accessed with high-resolution pictures.
In the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the only surviving gunman stated that he used Google Earth to formulate tactics for his group's attack. They were able to study the location of the incident. The South Korean government was also alarmed because Google Earth displays images of the country's Presidential palace and military facilities. They claim that these satellite imagery can be used against them by their rival and neighboring country, North Korea.
Censorship was Google's answer to these alarming incidents and complains. Sensitive locations were blocked as requested by affected countries, regions and people as long as valid reasons were presented. Still, most say censorship was not enough to strengthen security.
There are two sides of a coin, same goes with Google Earth. There's a good side where businesses and personal success stories flourish and the bad side where threats to privacy and security multiply. "With great power comes great responsibility." Truly, Google Earth is a powerful tool. You should be responsible enough to use it for the greater good.
