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07 Apr 2008
A Pennsylvania couple are suing Google for posting pictures of their home on Google Street View.
The couple have filed a case claiming that one of Google's vehicles which photographs urban areas using a digital camera mounted on the roof took the photos by driving up a road clearly marked 'Private Property'.
"As residents living in a private road Plaintiffs had a reasonable expectation of privacy, as well as within their exclusive residence," the filing reads.
"The invasion of Plaintiffs was substantial and highly offensive to a reasonable person. Revealing this information has caused Plaintiffs mental suffering and diminished the value of their property."
Google Street View includes a function that allows homeowners to have their pictures removed.
But it appears that the couple have not used the feature and are taking a legal approach. They have asked for $25,000 in damages.
The couple's case is also weakened by the fact that photographs of their home, along with their names and a detailed description, are already on the Allegheny County real estate website.
"Isn't litigation the only way to change a big business' conduct with the public?" the couple's attorney, Dennis Moskal, told the Boston Globe. "What happened to their accountability?"
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Do you agree?
wrong
you shouldn't have to ask for the pics to be removed, you should be asked if they can use your pic. i think its the principle of the matter, you cannot drive on to someones property without their permission. that is by definition trespassing. i personally don't think you should be able to photograph inside private property from "puplic property" anyway. otherwise whats stopping someone sitting in a chopper with a high zoom lens, videoing a couples bedroom blurring their faces, announcing which address and posting the video for all to see. it was after all taken on public property but that doesn't make it right. each day that ticks by is another day we lose our right to privacy
Posted by: nick 15 Mar 2010
Technically Google Trespassed
To me, the primary issue is that google trespassed onto private property to take the picture(s). That is actually a crime that is on the books in the U.S. Google ought to be charged with trespassing onto the couple's private property. Privacy is important too, but it shouldn't be the violated couple's primary legal defense; the tresspassing should. I commend the couple for taking a stand on the issue of their private property; after all, if we don't stand up for ourselves, we can't expect somebody else to do it for us. If google (or any website) wants to take a picture of somebody's house, they need to obtain written permission first from the homeowner, compensate them, and take the picture at a time that is approved by the homeowner.
Posted by: Kenneth 01 Aug 2008
Come where you're needed and wanted
There are many other places where Googs could go and where we would like, for instance why not zoom in onto around lat 25.498338 N long 94.175285 E for instance. We have no fears of being bombed by a guided missle. Rather our fears are not been seen, heard or granted this request. We request more coverage please. If some folks want privacy steer clear not for the money but for respecting their requests.
Posted by: Sani 17 Apr 2008
Get a life
The court costs should be paid by the loser and it should not be Google. Just have the pictures removed if its a problem. If someone had put an addition on the house and didn't want to pay the taxes I could see a problem. Of course the house pictures are in the public domain, what's the big deal?
Posted by: Peter 08 Apr 2008
Google sued for Street View privacy invasion
with this said "the fact that photographs of their home, along with their names and a detailed description, are already on the Allegheny County real estate website". it is obvious that these couple needs the money! get it???? migth as well as for millions.
Posted by: be fair in California 07 Apr 2008
Google Street View Privacy Invasion...
I suppose the court case makes sense if indeed Google trespassed onto their property and took pictures. Good thing they weren't caught skinny dipping like these other poor Google Street View victims
Posted by: Mapper99 07 Apr 2008
Boo on the Fools
I can understand the home owners' concerns, but COME ON. Just request the images removed if they upset you so much. This smells like someone looking for a "free lunch".
Posted by: James 07 Apr 2008
Wow
The world we live in. People always looking for money out of everything. "ohhhh, my mental anguish! Gimme money to help it!"
Posted by: Maris Butta 07 Apr 2008
A word comes to my mind.............
Ah.... Extortion.
Posted by: jharag 07 Apr 2008
You gotta be kidding
Another frivolous lawsuit by some idiot hoping to make a buck... get a life...
Posted by: Anonymous 07 Apr 2008
HA!
Yeah that will happen! Good luck, it doesn't matter if you have private property. As long as I can see you from public property I can take your picture, so what is the difference if they got a little bit closer. I'd like to say that this is worse than Apple suing New York over the GreeNYC logo, but its not... Close to as stupid though. Good luck to you!
Posted by: CantStandStupid 07 Apr 2008
They Had To Know It Was Coming
Google had to know it was coming eventually. It seems that a lot of people are mad over it and even though you can get your house removed, I am surprised it took this long.
Posted by: Nik 07 Apr 2008