Google Maps Street View - invasion of privacy?

[HungLikeJesus]

Peter, Peter, I can see your house from here!

[TheMercenary]

Does anyone know how often the Google earth pics are updated? As I recall many of the high resolution pics are years old. When I look at my neighborhood on it it is at least 6 years old.

[Undertoad]

It was just updated yesterday but apparently most of the changes were in improving Europe's imagery. Apparently Germany is now the "right" color or something.

[xoxoxoBruce]

You mean half of Germany was still red?

[bluecuracao]

[xoxoxoBruce]

This is how they do it. It you see one, moon 'em.

[TheMercenary]

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070609/D8PLHML80.html

[Ibby]

Completely different ball park, merc. That news article is about google's (alleged) lack of respect for users privacy in regards to online information, not their respect for peoples' privacy in regards to taking their pictures.

[TheMercenary]

I consider the controversy to be similar as they show a corprate lack of respect for privacy. The pictures have raised similar questions. Just becaus you are walking down the street or sunbathing nude on the top of your building does not mean that you want your pictures all over the internet.

[glatt]

It turns out that this is no big deal. Google will take your picture down if you ask them. It's easy. [/sarcasm]

To request removal of your image from Street View, you must demonstrate that you are the person shown in the panorama you would like removed. We will not take action if you are reporting on behalf of someone else (such as a friend, relative or stranger), except that you may report on behalf of your minor child. To show that you are the person in the image you would like removed, you must provide us with the information specified below. To expedite our ability to process your request, please use the following format on your verification form:

1. Provide your legal name.

2. Provide your e-mail address.

3. Provide the street view address of the Street View image you would like removed.

4. Include the sworn statement: "I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this notification is accurate."

5. Attach a clear, readable copy of a valid photo ID (e.g. driver's license, national ID card, etc). If you are requesting removal of an image of a location, attach a copy of a document demonstrating your association with that location ( e.g. business card or letterhead).

6. Please e-mail your completed verification form, along with the necessary attachment, to maps-legal@google.com within 5 days. If you are unable to upload a copy of your photo ID electronically in an e-mail, you may also fax us a copy of your form and photo ID to (650) 887-0389.

We will temporarily remove the Street View image pending receipt of your ID verification. If we have not received a copy of your photo ID within 5 days, then we will restore the panorama back to Street View. Please note that we will investigate your complaint and take action as needed. We will not contact you unless we need more information to review your request. If you see that the panorama was not removed from Street View, it is likely that it did not meet our conditions for permanent removal.

Regards,

The Google Team

[Cicero]

Originally Posted by glatt

It turns out that this is no big deal. Google will take your picture down if you ask them. It's easy. [/sarcasm]

They want a copy my identification if they have invaded my privacy? And fast? Hmmm. I must not be reading that right.