Several nations, the United States included, are worried about a developing technology offered by Google, Inc. that allows users to view satellite images of locations around the world on the Internet. The most common concern is that terrorists could use the technology - known as Google Earth - to plot attacks, but such worrying is largely unwarranted. Overall, Google Earth is an exciting new offering from an innovative company.
The aspect of Google Earth that best downplays its potential as a terror weapon is that accessible images are not available in real time. In fact, many of them could be considerably old. According to www.earth.google.com, where the feature is also available for download, the only promise the company makes is that available footage is no more than three years old. When one considers that, Google Earth seems a trifling matter among all other mediums open to those with evil intentions.
It is important to remember the technology behind Google Earth is still in its infancy. Perhaps one day it could become powerful enough to constitute a national security threat, but that is mere speculation. In the mean time, it is relatively harmless. Drastic measures such as turning Internet control over to the United Nations - an idea that has gotten some play - are simply unthinkable. Most governments possess the technology to monitor other nations anyway and do so regularly.
For a technology that features varying resolution and cannot display most locations with much clarity, the negative response to the emergence of Google Earth is irrational and unfair. The controversy surrounding Google Earth has been overblown paranoia and should be paid little attention. Entering the twenty-first century has its risks, but they are worth taking.
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Satellite imagery not a real threat
