Street view

[Sebastiaan56]

This made news this week, http://www.imaginginfo.com/web/online/News/Google-Street-View-Controversy--Is-Street-Photography-Legal/3$4994

Now personally I know its not illegal to photograph a street but there are serious privacy concerns here. Anyway does anyone know if the google monster is doing this stuff in Aus? Im gonna put a "Nick Off Google" on my roof......

[damian]

They have already shot signifigant portions of the country.

Be aware that reporters shoving a camera and microphone in your face as you try to walk down the street is unfortunately legal in this country, the magazine shows have been abusing that privilage for decades, so I sevearly doubt a court would uphold an action against potographing in suburban streets.

Streetview is available from googlemaps if you haven't the GE software installed.

www.googlemaps.com

pop in your address to see if it's been done.

[silentC]

My place is on it.

Thing is, they're not photographing anything that anybody can see by driving down your street. Personally, I think it's a bit on the nose but unfortunately it seems to be the way things are going. It will probably get to the point one day where you will be held in suspicion if you complain about this type of thing. Everyone will be expected to invite the prying eye ala Facebook etc.

[petersemple]

My place is on it. Thing is there are a whole bunch of trees at the front property line. All you can see in the photo is.... trees. The only angle where you can see the house is straight down the driveway, and they haven't taken that view.

Peter

[rotten_66]

Mine is not yet, but my mums is. Pretty good shot of her cat sitting on the fence though.

[corbs]

My place is on it.

Thing is, they're not photographing anything that anybody can see by driving down your street. Personally, I think it's a bit on the nose but unfortunately it seems to be the way things are going. It will probably get to the point one day where you will be held in suspicion if you complain about this type of thing. Everyone will be expected to invite the prying eye ala Facebook etc.

We're on it too... (in red) looks like someone has been reading Ben Elton books

[Sturdee]

Im gonna put a "Nick Off Google" on my roof......

Then when the local council does it's regular aerial photography of the neighbourhood to check up on illegal building works, lack of pool fences etc, they will fine you for displaying signs without a permit.

Peter.

[rotten_66]

Neighbors got a fine from council for puttingin a pool with no permit and having no fences. It was a blue tarpaulin over the kids sandpit to stop the cat's pooping in it. Council still had to do an inspection and not even a sorry.

[mjmjm]

Google's got a nice picture of the trees in the front of our house. Tells nobody nuthin about the house. Good.

In Brisbane the council uses satellite pictures to spy on people's houses. Nobody seems to be angry about it tho. Maybe because hardly anyone knows it's happening.

Michael

[Pheonix]

All number plates are blacked out and all faces have ben pixilated so you cant recognise anybody.(So I'm told)

[rhancock]

My house is on alright, and so am I...

By the way, I use streetview and google maps constantly at work, and at home. Its great for exploring places you've never been, route planning, house hunting...

[WoodJunky]

There was story on the news the other week, the residents of London are not happy as they think it is an invasion of their privacy. The news story showed a bloke walking out of a sex shop and another getting arrested, their faces are blurred but I guess if you were browsing through the streets those are the sort of things you don't really want to see.

I have seen vehicles setup with cameras and navigation equipment slowly driving around the suburbs of Adelaide, makes you wonder if they are doing updates or filming new areas

[Ron Dunn]

Doesn't bother me at all.

No love for Google, but no concerns here because there's nothing "private" about a view from the street. Anyone can see it any time, just by walking or driving past.

I actually saw the Google van go past. If I'd been more on-the-ball I'd have done something silly

[Master Splinter]

There's no automatic right to privacy in Australia as far as taking (and publishing) photos is concerned.

If you are in a public place, or in an area that can be overlooked from a public place and not a situation where you have a 'reasonable expectation of privacy', you're fair game.

See http://www.4020.net/words/photorights.php

[Cruzi]

It's just a glorified map, its not an invasion of privacy nor does it encourage wrong doings.