June 10, 2007 -- A Queens lawmaker is calling on Google to sharpen its focus on security by blurring satellite images of sensitive locations.
Assemblyman Mike Gianaris fired off a letter on June 5 to Google CEO Eric Schmidt, asking his company to blur detailed satellite images of skyscrapers, airports and other potential terror targets published online through free services Google Earth and Google Maps.
The issue is particularly important, Gianaris said, after Google Earth was allegedly used by terrorists planning to attack JFK Airport.
It was also reportedly used by Iraqi insurgents to pinpoint attacks on a British base in Basra this year.
"It's only a matter of time before someone uses the information Google Earth provides to do this country harm," said Gianaris, who plans to press the issue today in front of Google's Chelsea offices.
Google spokeswoman Kate Hurowitz says the company takes security "very seriously," pointing out that images are not Google's to alter - it publishes images provided by outside entities, including local governments.
"Our experience is that security concerns can be best addressed through dialogue with the relevant governmental experts," she said.
