ADRIENNE MIDDLEBROOK
IN FOCUS EDITOR

This month, the Canadian launch of Google’s Street View application has sparked a privacy debate across the country. But two years after its initial introduction into five American cities, the company has already faced charges of its high resolution street level views being an invasion of security and privacy. I feel the application’s benefits outweigh any harm, especially as most major concerns have already been addressed in the application’s spread to nine countries worldwide.
Google reported since the application’s initial launch, Canadians have viewed more than 150 million images in foreign countries. Clearly, there was a demand in Canada that Google saw an opportunity to meet.
The tool itself is incredibly useful. It can be used for directions. Users are able to visually recognize landmarks and buildings. Cash-poor students can spend hours ‘roaming’ the streets of Tokyo, Amsterdam and London.
Last week, the CBC interviewed a former security auditor who expressed concern over the tool potentially being used as surveillance by thieves. But Google’s cameras have even caught crimes taking place, which could be used to keep a population safer.
Furthermore, faces and licence plates are now blurred and Google has implemented a detailed privacy policy. The policy stated the photos taken were taken on public property and the images seen are no different from what a person can see from walking down the street.  If someone is opposed to having their house, car or family being shown on the application, they’re able to contact Google and have the images removed.
An interview with Anne-Marie Hayden, communications director for the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, revealed they have in fact received complaints from the public in regards to Street View violating their privacy. Hayden didn’t comment on what the complaint was over, but admitted that Google quickly removed the information in question before an investigation went through.
Walking through the halls of Humber, I’ve heard mixed reviews over the new tool. But the application doesn’t violate our privacy any more than walking down the street. So while you might not want to be caught picking your nose or walking into an adult video store on camera, you may just have to deal with it: if it’s in the public domain, it’s fair game.