Volume: 9 Issue: 12
(December 2007)

Keywords:
opinion google streetview fundamental threat privacy vast amounts satellite aerial imagery major urban centers available world wide web some time

Jurisdictions:
Canada

Opinion: Google Streetview: a fundamental threat to privacy

Vast amounts of satellite and aerial imagery of major urban centers have been available on the World Wide Web for some time. For the most part, this imagery consists of overhead pictures of moderate resolution. The highest resolution currently available clearly shows that people are present, but it is nearly impossible to identify any of these individuals. Recent developments in three dimensional (3D) mapping technology have changed the dynamic. Today, the collection and instantaneous online transmission of photographs of the places where we live, shop, study and work represents one of the newest threats to personal privacy.

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