Google accused on privacy views

[dfc05]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7536549.stm

A couple in California sues Google for taking pictures for Street View. At first I assumed that they must have been caught on camera doing something embarrassing or humiliating... something that might actually warrant getting a little upset. But no, they're suing over a picture of their house.

According to the Borings, Google's "reckless conduct" in driving down a private road and publishing the photos caused "mental suffering" and hurt the value of their home. They are seeking damages of more than $25,000 (?12,500).

In its court documents Google said: "Today's satellite-image technology means that even in today's desert, complete privacy does not exist."

It added: "In any event, Plaintiffs live far from the desert and are far from hermits."

Google claims in its motion that "When plaintiffs discovered these images, rather than using the simple removal option Google affords, they sued Google for invasion of privacy, trespass, negligence and conversion."

I can kind of understand that it's a private drive and rich snobs don't like for normal people to drive around their house, but suing for it is a little overboard. Besides, public records information about your home is already available online... from the government (at least it is in Texas), including home owner's name, property value, tax records, construction date, size, and building description. In my county, you can also get a sketch of the residence if you go to the county office. So does it really matter that much that now there's a picture of your house? Does anyone care that much what your house looks like? Their house must look pretty crappy if they get "mental suffering" from seeing a picture of it.

Edit: In Pennsylvania, not California...

 

[No Limit]

This was bound to happen sooner or later. I knew a couple people here in Albuquerque that were thinking of sueing, I think they are still talking about it.

It is stupid and I hope google wins this. Actually I'm pretty sure that they will. If they lost this case showing any pictures online would become grounds for legal action.

 

[AtomicSpark]

Google does no evil.

Statement not valid in China.

 

[Druckles]

Someone Googled my name. I feel abused and violated.

 

[Kadayi]

Frankly I like what Google are doing, they are helping to better connect the world and make life easier for everyone. These people are tards. :dozey:

 

[Xendance]

I'd love to see my house on Street View. I really would.

 

[Ennui]

Someone Googled my name. I feel abused and violated.

Sorry that was me. I just wanted to figure out your info so I could surprise buttsechs you :angel:

 

[kirovman]

If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.
Now send me your credit card details.

 

[Druckles]

Sorry that was me. I just wanted to figure out your info so I could surprise buttsechs you :angel:

Well if you'd said earlier, I wouldn't have spent 6 months of my life draining my money and resources suing Google.

 

[Nemesis6]

Google does no evil.

Statement not valid in China.

I thought that was Yahoo.

 

[JacksoK]

I'd love to see my house on Street View. I really would.

ditto would be cool i think, people will do anything for a quick buck

 

[Raziaar]

Mine is on street view.

 

[Krynn72]

So is mine. Its from a really long time ago though.

 

[AtomicSpark]

I thought that was Yahoo.

6. You can make money without doing evil.

http://www.google.com/corporate/tenthings.html

 

[DEATH eVADER]

vice versa you can be Evil without making money

It would be cool if my house was on streetview, I would have to stop the car so I had enough time to strike a pose

 

[Tagaziel]

I feel abused and violated.

That wasn't Google, that was me. :naughty:

 

[Unfocused]

Someone's looking for a way to earn some money.