After a ring of terrorists claimed they used the Google Earth map program while hatching a plot to blow up New York's JFK airport, a state lawmaker has asked Google to blur its views of places considered potential terror targets. Google responded by saying that while it takes security seriously, the company does not believe the aerial views it provides are a threat.
Xinhua News Agency | 06/11/07
New York state lawmaker Michael Gianaris on Sunday called on Google Earth to blur views of potential terror targets on its maps.
At a Sunday morning press conference, the Queens assemblyman said federal authorities need to work with Google to blur maps that detail sensitive areas such as airports, chemical storage plants and military bases.
Airport Plot
The call comes after reports that the terrorists who were plotting to blow up a pipeline feeding JFK airport, used the site to plan their attack.
Gianaris said he had written three letters to Google Earth's CEO and had received one response, saying the Web site has enough security Barracuda Spam Firewall Free Eval Unit - Click Here measures in place.
Google said in a statement: "Anyone who flies above or drives by a piece of property can obtain similar information. Google takes security concerns very seriously, and is always willing to discuss them with public agencies and officials."
Is a Map a Threat?
New Yorkers have mixed feelings about Gianaris' concerns.
Some think the information is already out there.
Some think a general map does not constitute a threat.
On June 2, the Federal Bureau of Investigation exposed an unfledged terror plot masterminded by a Brooklyn man and three foreigners intending to blow up the fuel line at JFK Airport.
If the plot were carried out, the consequences would be unthinkable, city officials said.
Xinhua News Agency | 06/11/07
New York state lawmaker Michael Gianaris on Sunday called on Google Earth to blur views of potential terror targets on its maps.
At a Sunday morning press conference, the Queens assemblyman said federal authorities need to work with Google to blur maps that detail sensitive areas such as airports, chemical storage plants and military bases.
Airport Plot
The call comes after reports that the terrorists who were plotting to blow up a pipeline feeding JFK airport, used the site to plan their attack.
Gianaris said he had written three letters to Google Earth's CEO and had received one response, saying the Web site has enough security Barracuda Spam Firewall Free Eval Unit - Click Here measures in place.
Google said in a statement: "Anyone who flies above or drives by a piece of property can obtain similar information. Google takes security concerns very seriously, and is always willing to discuss them with public agencies and officials."
Is a Map a Threat?
New Yorkers have mixed feelings about Gianaris' concerns.
Some think the information is already out there.
Some think a general map does not constitute a threat.
On June 2, the Federal Bureau of Investigation exposed an unfledged terror plot masterminded by a Brooklyn man and three foreigners intending to blow up the fuel line at JFK Airport.
If the plot were carried out, the consequences would be unthinkable, city officials said.
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