Blurred Vision

A New York state assemblyman would like Google to blur out the satellite imagery of sensitive locations based on the news that the JFK terror plotters were using Google satellite imagery to help plan their terrorist attack on the airport and related fuel storage and delivery systems.

Google notes that the imagery isn't theirs to blur. It's a third party provider. Okay, then pursue the matter with the third party provider.

It is an interesting question as to what obligations a service like Google or the third party provider of the imagery has to the public with respect to information and satellite imagery. Should they be providing crystal clear images of locations like airports or transit hubs when such locations are considered high value targets by terrorist organizations? Should the company do more to make it more difficult for individuals to access such information?

UPDATE:
It's not just satellite imagery that prompts privacy and security concerns, but Google ranks lowest for its privacy practices. So much for "Don't Be Evil."

UPDATE:
Bail was denied for the three members of the JFK terror plot in Trinidad.

A judge denied bail today for three men accused of plotting to bomb New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, ordering them to remain in jail until a hearing on a U.S. request for their extradition.


The three men - Kareem Ibrahim, Abdul Kadir and Abdel Nur - smiled and waved to about 20 supporters and family members in the courtroom but did not speak. Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicols said he chose to deny bail "given the nature and the seriousness of the offense."

The suspects, arrested this month in this twin-island Caribbean nation, allegedly participated in a Muslim terror cell that planned to blow up a jet fuel artery that runs through residential neighborhoods in New Jersey and New York and feeds Kennedy airport.