Google satellite imaging software raises terrorism concerns

[The Straight Story]

Google satellite imaging software raises terrorism concerns

By Danielle Belopotosky, National Journal's Technology Daily
New Google software that lets users see aerial images of city streets, baseball fields and even Moscow's Red Square has some officials wondering whether freely available satellite images could help terrorists plot attacks.

Google Earth allows users to receive point-to-point directions, mapping their way from the best pizza parlor in Chicago to the Hoover Dam by using the longitude and latitude grid tool.

The amount of detail in the images has alarmed two Dutch parliamentarians, who have publicly expressed their concerns over imagery of government buildings, energy facilities and utilities. They have called for an official inquiry to determine whether it poses a threat. People inside the United States also have expressed concern over the images of military facilities.

"We are paying close attention to what is being said," said John Hankey, general manager of the keyhole group at Google. "We don't want our tool to be misused."

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=32093&dcn=homeland

[rodeodance]

1. just as long as they do not take it off the internet!

[El Supremo]

2. I figured someone would get paranoid. n/t

[RC]

3. If we would lock up the bu$h administration

the terrorist threat would go down over night.

[Javaman]

4. The US has the same access to them and still can't find OBL...

So whose to worry....

Colossal Failure!*.

[havocmom]

5. Havocdad wants a new 'puter so he can run the program

and I caught him browsing through the Farmers Almanac when we were in town... Should I turn him in?

[Selatius]

6. I managed to pinpoint my home's location from space

It's quite powerful technology, I could see cars in driveways and everything, but ultimately, the federal government has access to far more powerful imaging technology.

Other places I zeroed in on were places I grew up as a kid in Massachusetts and some friends in Los Angeles. I found out the exact location of their home as well.

The only thing I didn't have was a weaponized satellite to zap a target from space.

[mikelgb]

7. I have Google Earth.

That is the first thought that came to my head when I looked at it. It gets very close detail on most of the globe. Interestingly they graphicly altered the roof of the white house to hide all the air ducts, etc. that are up there and could be somehow used to form an entry plot I guess. I have looked for various things on the map from the White House to Area 51, Burning Man, my own Apartment. I get lost for hours just looking at things. It's an amazing planet we have.

[madrchsod]

8. it`s very easy to buy much better programs than google and they

show more details...i would type more about it but people are watching as i type...
.

[wli]

9. yeah, someone might spot Bushler's REX 84 death camps n/t