A Google Streetview Privacy Lawsuit Dismissal: Was it Thrown Out Too Soon?
A Pittsburgh Couple Sued Google for Showing Their Home on Streetview, a Judge Rendered the Case Pointless
It was inevitable that a lawsuit would be filed against some of Google's sophisticated map services and the privacy issues involved. Google Earth has already raised enough flags with every philosopher in sight, including yours truly who's written a few articles on the net about the potential troubles Google's map programs could run into down the road. When Google Earth upped the ante last year by utilizing new satellite images with better clarity, the increasing desire to file lawsuits against everything that looks like a threat increased tenfold. It's a sheer miracle of conscience that the courts haven't already been mired in lawsuits against Google with litigants saying their privacy was invaded. Then came one couple from Pittsburgh who felt threatened by Google's more invasive program: Google Streetview...When this couple (who will remain nameless here, despite getting publicity in my source link) found their home apparently prominently displayed on Google's more detailed Streetview program, there was an instant feeling of unfair invasiveness captured by a vehicle owned by Google that was equipped to capture images from all directions on America's major street corners. Since Google was only able to capture select streets and not every street (no, they aren't quite that steeply ambitious yet), the couple obviously felt more the victim of their privacy being invaded and possibly threatened.
The most prominent concern was more than the obvious fear of everybody knowing where they lived, but primarily that their property value would be lessened if a future buyer knew the house and other private outdoor areas around the house were visible on Streetview as long as Google exists.
Sounds like one of the easiest lawsuits on planet earth, doesn't it?
Comments
Well....wish I could edit that comment because the first sentence was horrible. I meant to say that I wrote an article about the shock of seeing our son on Street view and looking directly into the camera, confused expression and all. I haven't checked lately.
I rarely note articles I've noted on other writers pieces but did want to add that our city was a test city for street view. One day I went to our computer, looked at our street and saw our home - and son- in clear view. Many of the views were only of our son in our drive and it was clear the photographer had been by the house many times because my son was not wearing the same clothes in each shot. While I do understand the advantages of street view, I also understand the very real dangers, especially the ones done in real time in select locations. Just my personal take, loved your article.
Yet another reason why America is the only "industrialized" nation with more lawyers than doctors. It's easier to make money by suing someone than actually have to work for it. It's also why we have jokes like this: What's the difference between a dead dog and a dead lawyer in the road? The dog has skid marks in front of it.
Interesting!
Very interesting article. Thanks.
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