Google Maps And The Big Brother Controversy

Google Maps recently came out with this nice little add-on gadget to the Google maps tool called, "street view." Basically, it allow any viewer to see a street view, hence the name, of the exact location they are looking for. What does this mean to the naked eye public?

• Spy on your boyfriend while he's at work
• See what your friends are doing when you're not around
• Spy on your X-Boyfriend in an entirely other state!

Of course the Google Maps Street view tool is becoming somewhat of a controversy amongst those who stay in the know on internet security, privacy and law. Hell, it's becoming an issue for just about anyone in the few cities that Google does allow the "Street view" tool to be used. And yes, it is just a few cities that have this feature activated and running.

Are you in one of the cities that allow any and all internet users watch your every waking move?

Well, I don't know, but here are the cities that Google Maps CURRENTLY tracks...Currently in caps because they are sure to broaden their scheme...

San Francisco, CA

Las Vegas, NV

Denver, CO

Miami, FL

And, Drum roll please?

New York, NY

Personally, I am scared. Granted, I'm a little phobic and paranoid generally, but I am just very very scared. I wrote a post recently on the cool Microsoft gadget that lets you view any place in full 3-D mode just by using photos and images found on the web, and I think that technology is just getting a little too invasive for my taste.

read that article here: Microsoft Photosynth Tool Online

Both the Microsoft tool and the Google tool are targeted at this point. Meaning, you can view everything, everywhere all the time because they don't, obviously, have the resources for that...YET. But, they want to have the resources for that OBVIOUSLY, and it's damn scary!

I definitely don't want to worry if my Mother is watching me stumble in late one night after a hard night out. Also, working in an internet savvy environment, I definitely don't want to worry if my boss is watching my house the day I call in sick!

Anyway, throw out your ideas, comments, suggestions, thoughts. I'd love to hear them. And, remember, I am a lover of technology, not a hater. Just a bit anxious right now at the alarming rate of invasive technological developments.

External Link Resources

Google Maps Tool
Do We Have An Expected Right to Internet Anonymity?
CNET News Report: Google Moves Creeping You Out?

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Microsoft Photosynth Tool
Google Shareholder's Proxy Statement
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Real ID Military Technology

Is Big brother watching you? Well, maybe not, but the new controversial Real ID act is starting a stir up on capitol hill.

Events Leading to the security initiative

The Read ID Act was "enacted" due to an increase in military spending budget. It was originally brought fourth on top of an act, "Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005." So, you can also say that it's purpose is to serve that of our American safety against the war on terror and Tsunami relief?

What is this act doing?

The Read ID Act entails government issued driver's licenses that follow the department of Homeland security's new standards...It's hopes are to ensure that anyone without these IDs cannot enter federal buildings, open bank accounts, or fly on commercial airlines.

As far as the commercial airlines, I have a bone to pick with the security there. I can honestly say I've made it through security with a lighter, with lipstick, with lotion and with matches. I can also honestly say that I've had my matches, lighters, lipstick and lotion taken from me and thrown away...Inconsistent? Just a little.

Why the controversy?

There are many bones picked concerning the Read ID act, but some of the main issues are privacy and the federal government's involvement. It began during the republican reign in congress, which I find interesting in numerous ways, considering the fact that republicans supposedly want less central government involvement, and while the act bleeds with the big brother aura, democrats are daily called socialists...hmmm?

My issue is the larger picture of the effects of such an act. Just like one federal government court case can change, add and delete laws, this act will cause the separation of state and federal government to become a little fuzzy. W

External Link Resources

Week in Review: Real ID Controversy
Global Research U.S. Real ID Commentary
Wikipedia Real ID Act

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