Google Street View

Upon doing some research, I found that even before releasing Google Street View, Google had privacy issues in mind. They had removed pictures of domestic violence shelters from Street View in order to protect the privacy of the women seeking help at these shelters. In addition, the women and shelters could contact Google and ask to have a certain shelter removed. At first, the image would be blocked out, then completely removed in a couple weeks. This remedy is not only available to these shelters, however. If there are any concerns on the invasion of privacy on Street View, Google can be contacted via the Street View Help button to address the privacy issues of certain photos.

I do think what Google did is adequate because they are just providing a view of what can already be seen by others, except on a more omnipresent scale. It shows what we can already see from standing outside. If a burglar doesn't want to be seen breaking into a house, he probably shouldn't do it, especially in broad daylight. Anyone on that block, not just the people on Google Street View, could have seen him. Google Street View doesn't track people's locations and activities. If they so happen to be caught in a photo on Google Street View, then it's like being caught by everyone watching from the street, except that anyone can see it online. In my opinion, if they don't want to be seen doing something, they shouldn't do it, or they should at least not do it outside.