California Assemblyman Joel Anderson wants to pass bill AB-255 that would restrict the view of public buildings and places of religious practice from software like Google Earth.
Anderson is no novice in tackling controversial topics. For example, in 2007 he convinced Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign a bill that would stop investing in companies that were doing business in Iran.
The main clauses of the bill are as follows:
An operator of a commercial Internet Web site or online service that makes a virtual globe browser available to members of the public shall not provide aerial or satellite photographs or imagery of a building or facility in this state that is identified on the Internet Web site by the operator as a school or place of worship, or a government or medical building or facility, unless those photographs or images have been blurred.
An operator of a commercial Internet Web site or online service that makes a virtual globe browser available to members of the public shall not provide street view photographs or images of the buildings and facilities described in subdivision (a).
Many political figures are agreeing on this topic. The overall concerns of these politicians is the safety of the people. There is always a threat for a terrorist attack, and having these maps readily available is making it easier for targetting purposes. The concerned politicians include the Indian Minister of State for Home in Maharashtra, Naseem Khan.
Anderson’s bill is not finalized yet, and according to CNN, the bill should enter committee in a week.
Your blog is really interesting, and I love the polls! It is really funny because in Digital World we learned about how the government is trying to prevent terrorist attacks through computer safety. It was kind of ironic
I thought google earth already blurred a lot of the images
They have already blocked some major areas. Many other nations around the world are not really blocked. This bill would be very specific in its blurring of schools, religious areas, and other government buildings. This is supplemental to previous blocks.
I think this is a really good idea. Safety takes precedence over online software and this action would vaguely help maintain respect for religious sites.
Wow that story is really interesting. I think you wrote it really well!
I can’t decide whether that form of censorship is necessary or simply over precaution. I mean, really, if the “terrorists” wanted to get a road map, all they have to do is travel down to the local gas station and pick one up.
But then again, there’s no denying that Google earth is a creepy program.Is it really necessary to see everything at will. I mean you’re essentially instigated the concept of stalking…