Re: Hey, Guess What? I Can See You...

Not too long ago, Google released an innovative application called Google Street View. It’s an exciting technology designed to show high-resolution street-level images on the Internet. But not long after the launch, Google received hundreds of complaints about the violation of privacy. Though Google has already made the effort to blur out faces and license plates, there are still many who are not in favor of this fascinating tool. With this new invention, there are definitely disadvantages and advantages, but in exchange for convenience of the application, the negatives involved will have to be accepted.

Similar to many other new inventions, there are definitely downsides. Google have blurred out license plates and faces in attempt to prevent identification, but they haven’t done a very good job. For example, there are still a few images that aren’t blurred out properly – I am still able to recognize some people’s faces on the streets. But it’s not something that can’t be fixed – Google allows you to report privacy concerns such as reporting a face that has not been blurred properly, your legible license that has not been blurred, etc. Even though there are many privacy concerns regarding Google Street View, I don’t see the problem with it – they’ve only compiled images that have been taken a long time ago. Though Google has taken pictures without permission or consent, many social networking sites (e.g. Facebook) have thousands of images uploaded often without the consent of the person being photographed as well. In other words, I don’t really think there are any privacy laws being broken. With technology constantly improving and growing, we’re slowing losing more and more of our privacy and personal space. 

Despite these “flaws”, Google Street View is truly amazing. It’s simple to use, it’s convenient, gives easier navigation, it can be a source of entertainment, and it’s so much better than the traditional map. You can easily find directions or look around an area by simply typing the address in the search bar – it’s self-explanatory – you don’t need any specific lessons or tutorials to “learn”. With images and the 360° angle, it’s so useful to see your destination in advance and familiarize that area to avoid getting lost, etc. Also the images are better to direct someone from one place to another compared to the old-school lines and symbols – at least the visuals are “worth more words” than simple lines and symbols. Though Google Street View was made for the purpose of finding directions, it can be fun as well. I can search up other areas such as New York, and look around without having to actually go there. With all these awesome factors, how can you not like love Street View?

Of course, I curiously looked up my address and I virtually "walked" around my neighbourhood, to see if I could spot myself or any of my friends that might not have been blurred properly. Although I wasn’t able to spot anyone I knew, I came across a few people on the streets, and their faces were all blurred. Even if I was unluckily captured by Google, I don’t think my likeness would become a public domain because my face would be blurred by Google. Besides, I don’t think the person using Google Streetview would care anyways. They probably won’t even be able to recognize me. And so what if they can? It’s not like they can stalk me by using just one simple image of me on Streetview that was taken months ago.

Even though there are many people who oppose this new application, I think it’s great. There are certainly privacy issues involved, but is it really worth removing Street View just to satisfy those who are overreacting about stalkers? It’s not like it’s a live video feed – Google only compiled images taken in the past. We should keep Street View – after all, there are more advantages than disadvantages.