Vox Populi: PIL vs Google Earth Fans
Techtree News Staff, Dec 11, 2008 1558 hrs IST
Techtree readers react to proposed website ban
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A couple of days back, we reported that a Mumbai-based advocate has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court seeking a "complete ban on Google Earth and similar sites like Wikimapia". The PIL states that the websites gave minute details and provided viewers with photographs and "extremely accurate navigational coordinates'' as well.
Now our readers have a lot to say about this. We got a number of reactions and a series of questions our readers want to ask of the legal advocates who have demanded a ban on the US-based website, which provides detailed satellite images to a 50cm resolution of locations worldwide.
Sandeep from Chennai wants to know, when our own country is coming up with a Google Earth competitor, is it really logical to ban the website. As reported, come March 2009, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) will launch its own IRS (Indian Remote Sensing) image portal called Bhuvan. The portal will offer detailed satellite views of our planet to users - akin to those seen on Google Earth and Wikimapia, but with a difference; this one will give sharper and more detailed pictures than provided by Google.
Google Earth can be accessed from around the world and not just our country, says our reader Sunil Suresh from Mangalore. Since it is a fact that the terrorists are tech-savvy, we should be expecting them to find an alternative even if we completely ban Google Earth here in India.
Another reader, Andy from Bangalore points out that there are agencies around the world that give you satellite imagery and other details on payment of a fee, so what's Google Earth? "The Government of India should wake up and make their defense structure proper, rather than point fingers at Google," suggests Samir from Mumbai. Rex from Bangalore claims that the only way to counter terrorism is via good intelligence operations. "You cannot block them once they are on the way to attack. Stop everything at the planning stage itself," he adds.
Back in September, while we had witnessed the nasty Delhi bomb blasts, there was a talk of the government monitoring your online activity through a legislation that would authorize officials to snoop on your activities online. Widely considered a knee-jerk reaction, the plan was opposed by people and corporate entities who felt government had no right to see what its citizens were up to.
After the recent terror strikes in Mumbai, investigations have led to the fact that technology was widely used to plan, coordinate and execute the attacks. The terrorists used equipments ranging from ultra-modern arms to satellite phones.
It was reported that terrorists used UK-based Call Phoenix's Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service during the three day terror siege in Mumbai. It was also said that the terrorists who targeted the plush locations in south Mumbai were carrying multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, web browsers, satellite phones and many other high-tech gizmos. Our readers thus demand why should India pick up only Google Earth when it comes to banning?
Keeping in mind the security concerns behind the use of Google Earth, our view remains that it would be wise to blur certain sensitive Indian areas on the website. However, completely banning the website would not help this situation. We at Techtree believe that our intelligence and security personnel should try to stay a step ahead of these terrorists to stop them in their tracks.
What do you think guys? Posts your votes on our poll and let us know your verdict.
Related Links:
Google Earth Poses Threat To India
ISRO'S Bhuvan To Better Google Earth
Google Earth is a Cause for Concern
USER COMMENTS
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by pradeep, hyderabad, on Feb 16, 2009 01:58 PM, Report abuse Reply
banning google earth is not the solution, although the print & ultra zoom facility should only be with paid members only so that anyone may not easily access it.
by vishal, chandigarh, on Jan 08, 2009 12:26 PM, Report abuse Reply
And how is making things paid going to stop terrorism? Are terrorists poor?
by Kaushik, Delhi, on Jan 30, 2009 03:24 PM, Report abuse
I don't think the threat is due to Google Earth. Most places in Europe and U.S.America are clearly shown on Ggl Ea (for India, several sensitive places are actually camouflaged). Yet, why are those places not attacked so easily and frequently? Shooting the messenger is not the answer. If it were, then why not ban Internet itself. No baans (Internet), no baansuri (Ggl Ea.). However, then you'd also have to ban the GPS functionality in advanced mobiles. Also, let us ban satellites (since satellite phones were used). Best, let us ban phones and TV since the terrorists used the same as well. And your CAPTCHA did not work the first 4 times.
by Kaushik, Delhi, on Jan 30, 2009 03:21 PM, Report abuse Reply
by SBL GEOMATICS, cochin, on Dec 29, 2008 11:24 AM, Report abuse Reply
Does not make any sense. terrorist used AK-47s and hand-grenades and also Satellite phones. Ready to ban it all?
by Rahul Jawale, Mumbai, on Dec 23, 2008 01:54 PM, Report abuse Reply
Banning Google Maps would be stupid. Satellite maps (with higher quality) can be bought from other companies easily. GMaps is a very useful tool accessible to the common man free. Thanx to Google. It is a huge source of geograpical knowledge.
by Gurvinder Singh, Navi Mumbai, on Dec 19, 2008 10:39 AM, Report abuse Reply
by neelam, delhi, on Dec 18, 2008 04:52 PM, Report abuse Reply
by jitu, kanpur, on Dec 18, 2008 12:07 PM, Report abuse Reply
My Question is, if authorities will ban on Google Earth, will terrorists stop the terrorism activities? They will find other way, they are for only terrorism. Better it should be banned on News Chennals. People get lost of knowledge from the Google Earth. I think it is revolution to know our Globe closely. There is no need to ban on the Google Earth
by Manish Raval, Navsari, on Dec 18, 2008 11:32 AM, Report abuse Reply
google earth most amizing programe, i feel very hape when i whach the people in my house.
by mohab, nablus, on Dec 16, 2008 01:55 PM, Report abuse Reply
by SRINIVAS, GODAVARIKHANI, on Dec 16, 2008 10:11 AM, Report abuse Reply
by ali, jordan, on Dec 16, 2008 02:14 AM, Report abuse Reply
Yup! Our security forces were lax, terrorists attack India, shit happens, still happens. And google Earth is to blame??? Off late I have seen too many PILs which make no sense at all. If this advocate wants publicity, let him go get it somewhere else, not in India, not at our expense. And the same goes with all such stupid PILs adn stupid online petitions which are floated by such idiots after the Mumbai attacks with their own stupid selfish interests and not at all for the people of the country, and not understanding the full (de)merits of what they are doing.
by Amit, New Delhi, on Dec 15, 2008 04:37 PM, Report abuse Reply
by antonio alcanta, mexico, on Dec 15, 2008 07:09 AM, Report abuse Reply
Their is no need to ban Google Earth especially when India is making their own google earth (Bhuvan) and more detailed, grate just what we need to be personally attacked, let india make their program and keep google earth running as well it is a grate tool i use very often and if i loose that on the accountability of India, well what is this world coming to. i suggest india suckles on their Nuclear Pacifier
by Michael, Melbourne, on Dec 15, 2008 05:19 AM, Report abuse Reply
by bassam, gabes, on Dec 14, 2008 08:11 PM, Report abuse Reply
so we hide ourselves from the world ........i 'm not proud to be a scared indian
by SEMI Automatic , Mumbai ( C H E M B U R ), on Dec 14, 2008 03:03 PM, Report abuse Reply
yes google earth must b ban, as far as security is concern.
by Neeraj, Delhi, on Dec 14, 2008 12:33 PM, Report abuse Reply
it right to ban on google earth on ground of security
by vaibhav, pune, on Dec 14, 2008 12:21 PM, Report abuse Reply
by salie, kaqanik, on Dec 14, 2008 02:09 AM, Report abuse Reply
Forcing google to blur sensitive areas, defense installations is the only solution. We should not be regressive and ban technologies that are more beneficial to common people in the long run. The terrotists also used cell phones and dry fruits. Does this mean we should also ban cell phones and dry fruits? This is a ridiculous law-suit by technologically illiterate people
by Anshuman, Pune, on Dec 14, 2008 12:19 AM, Report abuse Reply
really a good sight in google. we like ths sight very much
by Mohanraj, chennai, on Dec 13, 2008 10:09 PM, Report abuse Reply
by elaas, AL-sudan, on Dec 13, 2008 07:50 PM, Report abuse Reply
banning of Google will not have any effect on terrorists or any other groups as there are several agencies which can provide images of any part of the world for a fee. One does not have to get these images being present in India, they can be accessed from any part of the world. Person filing PIL is living in last decade and not aware of what can be bought for a fee in current times.
by suchde, mumbai, on Dec 13, 2008 05:56 PM, Report abuse Reply
Total NONSENSE. But blurring the sensitive areas makes a point.
by Ravindra, New Delhi, on Dec 13, 2008 05:31 PM, Report abuse Reply
That is the fooles thing i have ever heared before!!
by Abhishek Aggarw, Delhi, on Dec 13, 2008 05:12 PM, Report abuse Reply
maybe the govt. should also ban building, selling, buying or using of boats & ships in territorial waters. had it been done earlier they would not have been able to attack Mumbai.
by amitava, kolkata, on Dec 13, 2008 03:23 PM, Report abuse Reply
I THINK THAT IT'S TIME THAT PEOPLE SHOULD COME TOGETHER WITH SOME SORT OF STEPS TO GO FOR RALLY OR SOMETHING THAT AWAKENS OUR GOVERNMENT TO TAKE SOME CONCRETE STEPS ELSE SUCH ACTIVITITES WILL NEVER STOP AND COUNTLESS INNOCENT LIVES WILL BE LOST.....
by VEGETTO, KANPUR, on Dec 13, 2008 02:31 PM, Report abuse Reply
Gov. is just saving it's skin...... change the home minister.. change Maharashtra CM... and band Google earth.... they are not at interested in solution.... Gov. should look within it's own faults and try to improve upon it.
by Rafiq Ahmed, Bangalore, on Dec 13, 2008 01:19 PM, Report abuse Reply
I want to thank you for achievement
by hassan ali kami, egypt, on Dec 13, 2008 02:03 AM, Report abuse Reply
we need to develop our intelligence network and counterfeit the terrorist. The terrorist are mingled with people and these terrorist are helped by people with out knowing their identity for money. So people should not look for money illegally. We as an INDIAN nationals should so this. Also the more important is our Politicians should behave as role model for the people.
by Jayakumar, Stuttgart, on Dec 13, 2008 01:28 AM, Report abuse Reply
PLEASE BAN TRAINS, TAXI's & BUSES IN MUMBAI- THEY ARE TARGET TO TERRORIST ATTACKS- WE SHOULD BE MORE REALISTIC IN WHAT WE ASK OUR GOVERNMENT TO DO AND BAN THAN JUST COMING UP WITH SUCH INCOMPETENT SOLUTIONS!!!
by BRIAN ALVAREZ, MUMBAI, on Dec 13, 2008 01:15 AM, Report abuse Reply
we can't just keep banning website. Terrorists also used Phone should we ban cell phone usage. Terrorists used Fishing boats to come to Mumbai, should we ban all the fishing boats on all seas. This does't make any sense. India Gvt should make sure this things will not happen before they happens.. This is a purely a intelligent failure
by Bushan, PA, on Dec 13, 2008 12:11 AM, Report abuse Reply
dzaaaaaaaan magariaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
by ala, kutaisi, on Dec 12, 2008 10:58 PM, Report abuse Reply
every thing has a good usage and bad usage. Maybe, if we ban planes and boats, then no terrorist can enter our country via air or sea. Instead, we need to monitor the planes and boats that come into our country. Similarly, we need to control the sites being displayed by google earth and make a smart judgment on what should and shouldnt be displayed.
by Lokesh, Delhi, on Dec 12, 2008 10:10 PM, Report abuse Reply
by Ambar Patil, mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 09:32 PM, Report abuse Reply
by hamza, al ismaili, on Dec 12, 2008 09:12 PM, Report abuse Reply
The situation is a Cat & Mouse game between security and violators. In this evaluation process, we have technology is one tool and google is one among them. Finally, winning depends on whoever adapts to new tools / technologies. Banning is not an answer; we need to have right laws and its implementation.
by Ramesh, Hyderabad, on Dec 12, 2008 09:10 PM, Report abuse Reply
ok logic behind banning google earth is that the terrorists used google earth as part of their training .. please also ban blackberry phones and also narendra modi as one of his speech was also used to incite the terrorists further..
by iloveindia, india, on Dec 12, 2008 09:09 PM, Report abuse Reply
slt c v ana hamza al ismaili j'ai 14 ans de sale
by hamza, al ismaili, on Dec 12, 2008 09:09 PM, Report abuse Reply
ana hamza el ismaili ana baghi nchouf darna min al kharita wallah waliy tawfik
by hamza, al ismaili, on Dec 12, 2008 09:08 PM, Report abuse Reply
Makes no sense banning Google Earth or Wikimaia in India, ban the person who filed the PIL and send him to Pakistan and tell him to file the PIL over there! I bet he'll be immediately arrested and hanged which he deserves to be
by Hardeep Sondhi, Dhanbad, on Dec 12, 2008 08:53 PM, Report abuse Reply
People who think banning Google Earth or Wikimapia will stop terrorism are living in a fool's paradise! Techtree is right in believing that our secutity agencies should stay a step ahead of the terrorists to stop them in the planning stage itself.
by Hardeep Singh, Dhanbad, on Dec 12, 2008 08:42 PM, Report abuse Reply
by karim, kuwati, on Dec 12, 2008 08:37 PM, Report abuse Reply
it is a good to know about our area as well unknown address.
by srikanth, ramnagar, on Dec 12, 2008 08:33 PM, Report abuse Reply
This is a stupid idea. Equivalant to burrying own head in sand. I hope it do not represent brains of indians. The court should fine heavily (of the order of 10 Lacs or more) this "Advocate" for wasting courts precious time and time of so many people on meaningless debate.
by spammer2, mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 08:06 PM, Report abuse Reply
It is foolish to ban google earth. This is as if victims of atrocity are blinded, while the terrorists who are invariably outside this country are free to see us. Those who are demanding the ban should close it at the origin, if at all they have some case. It only shows our mentality of brushing away responsibility and showing that we have done some thing to "fight terror" . Why dont you file a pitition in court to get custody of the chief of nation that is root of this problem ? it will be equally effective.
by Rakesh, mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 07:47 PM, Report abuse Reply
Yes Google earth has to be banned. And also google search, email, internet, phones, transport vehicles, roads .. Or we can cover the whole country in a tarpaulin so that no one can see what is going on under it.
by Nag, Bangalore, on Dec 12, 2008 07:36 PM, Report abuse Reply
Google earth should not be banned because there are people who use it for good purpose like if a tourist wants to know the places in the city he needs the map which makes him navigate to his destination.
by Abhilash, Bangalore, on Dec 12, 2008 07:17 PM, Report abuse Reply
We really got some ostriches in our country, and they are mighty enough to ask whole country to burry their heads in sand when attacked.
by Narayan Verma, Delhi, on Dec 12, 2008 07:04 PM, Report abuse Reply
by hamza, tunis, on Dec 12, 2008 06:25 PM, Report abuse Reply
I would say PIL should be filed against: 1. AK47 manufacturer 2. Chinese Grenade manufacturer 3. Ship and Trawler Manufacturer 4. Grocery Shops in Mumbai. Let all security and Intelligent officers take a vacation for a year. Increase the pay for ministers 100 fold. Keep blaming Pakistan promptly for any bad incident in India. Reward incompetence and favoritism handsomely . India will be very secure place to live. May reality open Indian masses eyes
by Mathi, Irvine, on Dec 12, 2008 05:11 PM, Report abuse Reply
Our police personals are still using World War II riffles. Why defense system of UK and US is effective then ours, They didn't ban Google earth! first of all make your defense system more effective then baning sites. anyone can access these maps from anywhere other than India. This advocate only want to get publicity, if he is really concerned about the safety of Mumbai people then he should first file a PIL against Raj Thakre, people who molested women on gateway of India on new year the list is long .... these are the bigger threat to nation. STOP getting cheap publicity.
by Manik, London, on Dec 12, 2008 05:33 PM, Report abuse Reply
We live in the info age. Banning a great site which is making life more glamorous and changing life-style of the modern age is like Talibanism. As is rightly pointed out by several readers, landscapes which are sensitive from the security point of view should be highlighted with lesser details and this point can be taken up seriously. Google (India) should itself come out with this issue and proactively suggest the Indian government what and how this should be done. Using Google Earth is a great delight and for tech savvy genes it is a pleasure. But people using this service for evil purposes are very less. Millions use Google Earth for data mining and informative knowledge. It is like travelling around the globe sitting at home, visiting places you will never get a chance to go in your lifetime!
by Biplab, New Delhi, on Dec 12, 2008 04:41 PM, Report abuse Reply
Blurring sensitive areas may sound nice. But first define "sensitive area". And this definition should not be misused. Moreover even this will not stop a determined person from acquiring the info h/she wants to obtain. So once again blurring a sensitive area would be a cropper. What the govt. has to do is a thorough overhaul of its intelligence systems and that and that is the only way they can be ahead of the so called terrorist. On the flip side any step that stymies free flow of information by the govt. is akin to the proletarian class of the 18th century blaming and destroying the machines for all their woes when the issue lay with usage of capital.
by dhruva, chennai, on Dec 12, 2008 04:16 PM, Report abuse Reply
by mass, multan, on Dec 12, 2008 03:57 PM, Report abuse Reply
Ask the Mumbai-based advocate to file a new PIL to ban Techtree for posting this article on web, terrorists came to know about the views of Google earth fans giving more ideas to access Google earth. hahaha...
by Arvind, Hyderabad, on Dec 12, 2008 03:45 PM, Report abuse Reply
by rerer, skopje, on Dec 12, 2008 03:38 PM, Report abuse Reply
Please tell us from where did this Mumbai-based advocate had "Finished" the "The Law" ? When Maulana Masood Azhar was "given" to pak what was this Mumbai-based advocate doing ? Did Govt. of India supported terrorists ? Can you ban Govt. of India ? Can we ban this advocate from filing such PILs ?
by Arvind, Hyderabad, on Dec 12, 2008 03:37 PM, Report abuse Reply
Its like ban the road transport cause it is used by terrorists and ban everything and lock yourself in coffin for terrorists are on prawl. Kudos to the logic and I wish it is extended to every walk of life.
by M. Irfan-Ullah, NOIDA, on Dec 12, 2008 03:20 PM, Report abuse Reply
Hi ,I think its better to have no politics,no politicians.... They r doing nothing.Its not going to stop anywhere.we have to fight against terrorism.We have to be alert always.Our governments show off will stop within one month and again the same.Who knows tommorow we will be the victims
by asha, cochin, on Dec 12, 2008 01:36 PM, Report abuse Reply
NOW I KNOW WHAT'S AN EDUCATED FOOL. Today PIL for ban on Google Earth, tomorrow there will be PIL for banning Maps of India, then PIL for banning Mobiles, VOIP, INTERNET, thereafter there will be PIL for banning people move on the roads BECAUSE IT ALL HELPS TERRORISTS. But what a badluck for India that there will be no PIL for STRENGTHENING SECURITY, PUNISHIGN COMMUNALISM, REGIONALISM and RELIGIONISM.
by Hemant Kumar, New Delhi, on Dec 12, 2008 12:48 PM, Report abuse Reply
It is probably the Government's way to insist Google bribe it as possibly did RIM in the Blackberry Ban deadlock. Nothing came out of the threat of banning RIM services in India as well. However, if one may see the way things are we should shut down our satellites and go back to the stone age to fight terror so that all can be at a level playing field!!!
India has its problems right from corruption to realization ideals in its Preamble to its Constitution, namely the objective of Fraternity. We need not only to file PILs to enforce fraternity but also become sensitive to this deeply important ideal that is so very necessary to countries a diverse as ours. All developed and developing countries are like cosmopolitan cities. Like in Mumbai, there is an anti-north Indian terror, so is it with the countries where there is most economic activity that goes by the name of International Terrorism.
** Message edited by moderator **
by Manu Shahalia, Delhi/Mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 12:48 PM, Report abuse Reply
ok ,if the google earth has been closed , the terrorists won't get rdx and shotgunns , etc etc ....? don't use childish ideas, gps guides are available in cheaper prices can anybody controle that ??
by williams, bangalore, on Dec 12, 2008 12:29 PM, Report abuse Reply
Does this advocate has any cases in hand? Does he travel in cars and boats? How about banning Politics while serving people? What about poverty and growing indian population?
by avinash, mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 12:00 PM, Report abuse Reply
Banning anything only makes it unavailable to the general law-abiding public. The people who break the law will access whatever they need anyway. Holding firearms without a licence is illegal and banned. Explosives are also banned. But does that deter the average-unfriendly-neighbourhood-criminal/terrorist? Quite the contrary!
by Bhavesh Kotak, Mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 11:56 AM, Report abuse Reply
This PIL is being filed by a technically illiterate person, obviously.
by ogaboga, bangalore, on Dec 12, 2008 11:39 AM, Report abuse Reply
Road signs must have also told the terrorists which way the next target was. Lets band those too shall we?
by Anon, Mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 11:26 AM, Report abuse Reply
by thawzin, Yangon, on Dec 12, 2008 11:16 AM, Report abuse Reply
poor advocate wants his day in the sun.. maybe a starving incompetent apology of a lawyer.. such frivolous petitions are clogging the judicial system in this country.
by francis joe, mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 10:52 AM, Report abuse Reply
by Rhythm, Mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 10:51 AM, Report abuse Reply
Ban the Internet, thats what Google Earth uses. Ban the Mobile Phone, Ban all types of communication. Let us try to be like the abysmal failures of human civilization which destroyed the Bamiyan.
by roy, mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 09:28 AM, Report abuse Reply
This is another addition to the thousand of PIL's awaiting verdict in India.But this is sensitive coz: 1. Everyone's attention is on Indian security measures now after the Mumbai attack 2. Google Earth, like many other regular applications/ servives which and extremely popular in India is being targeted by someone who believes banning Google Earth in India should be our answer to a ' robust security upgrade '.One comment here - Laughable !!!!The entire plan for the attack was made in our neighbouring country and several other sophisticated devices and services were used along with our beloved 'Google Earth'.So banning this India will not serve any purpose. If measures are to be taken then we need to list all the sensitive locations in India and make them inaccesible worldwide ( which needs support of other countries ).I wish our respected Court does not pass any verdict in a haste.
by Blizzard, Singapore, on Dec 12, 2008 07:31 AM, Report abuse Reply
Banning Google Earth and other similar websites/companies in India offering similar services won't help because terrorists can simply visit some other country where the website is not banned and use its services. Besides, if these websites are banned globally which is very difficult, then it will affect and create problems for genuine users who use them.
by aashish agarwal, mumbai, on Dec 12, 2008 02:18 AM, Report abuse Reply
it is just like two sides of a coin.
by vipul, panipat, on Dec 11, 2008 11:40 PM, Report abuse Reply
An ignorant advocate out with a stupid PIL. Someone please explan to the fool how WWW work. The basics will be more than enough.
by Pran, Trivandrum, on Dec 11, 2008 11:17 PM, Report abuse Reply
I suggest the Indian government also ban automobiles, boats and ships, airplanes so terrorists cannot move at a fast pace and can be controlled in a limited geographical area within say 10 hours of time (usual response time of our forces). We should also ban cellphones, wireless and telephones so they cannot communicate. All buildings should have no more than one floor. So it'd be easier to contain the damage. How about this you supporters of the ban?
by Hotep, Meerut, on Dec 11, 2008 10:20 PM, Report abuse Reply
Why not ban Mobile phones, laptops, GPS navigators etc. They too were used in the terror attacks.
by Amal, Ahmedabad, on Dec 11, 2008 11:00 PM, Report abuse
Tell that advocate to go and bury his head in Chowpatty Sand ir is easier he will be safe
by Dilip Damle, New Delhi, on Dec 11, 2008 08:45 PM, Report abuse Reply
Google Earth is giving the same power to people which was so far only in the hands of few powerful govt or international agencies.
Terrorism and other privacy concerns are mere excuses - enough murders, shootings, genocides, air attacks, scans, mineral-mapping and space warfare have happened before the release of any of the geolocation tools into public hands. It is the Guns and weapons that must be banned NOT Google Earth.
It's totally dangerous to everyone to STOP Google Earth. It's like robbing a part of our freedom of speech - It's also against our right to information, and it is uneconomical too.
Someone should file a PIL for RFIDs on guns and ammunition. If the gun is genuine, the RFID will tell the police that the gun is leaked by corrupt officers at the factory. If the gun does not give a signal, it is smuggled from outside India!
If India buys guns from outside, you already risk being tracked by the terrorists.
Powerful people, you must think a little before adding up guns and geolocation and calling the latter bad for the crimes of the former.
** Message edited by moderator **
by Thinker, Mumbai, on Dec 11, 2008 08:31 PM, Report abuse Reply
What about GPS then ? Why we can't update ourselves with better technology ? When terrorists were using tech. gadgets, why we didn't use Gas Shells /Tranquilisers / Wireless Camers ? Its unfortunate to see our bright people copy pasting code from google for a livelyhood and then blaming the same technology than psycho maniacs. How much our IITns have provided in Indian defense tech. than to USA ? Its seems its time to reevaluate conceptions....
by prole, bby, on Dec 11, 2008 08:20 PM, Report abuse Reply
By Gas Shells, I meant shells with Chloroform like chemicals which put people in to 'Sleep mode' forcely - in technospeak. Benefit - we get more mad maniacs live, get more proof, etc. and best of all less dead hostages.... I was banging my head seeing the pathetic state of our people...
by prole, bby, on Dec 11, 2008 08:25 PM, Report abuse
I strongly feel that google must focus on increasing the quality and resolution of the images in google earth instead and the if possible, our govt.'s support is appreciated. Banning google earth will not lead to any solutions. Hope you have heard about Remote desktop feature in windows and other latest operating systems. What if a person sits in india and access computer in US with google earth loaded ? How can you detect and take any "Legal" actions ? If that (RD) too is banned, Terrorist will find more new ways, where we can't stop them. The Govt must educate the Govt. employees, police, security forces etc. make them more powerful than terrorists. This is in the interest and security of public.
by Arvind, Hyderabad, on Dec 11, 2008 07:35 PM, Report abuse Reply
This is a crap PIL and does no way solve the problem. The best thing that can be done is 1) to make the technical (at least communication related) education mandatory to all the government security personnel. A technical course should be designed (updated to latest tech trends). 2) remodel all the vintage infrastructure of the government offices. If militants can use technology so efficiently for their purpose, it would be shame on the trained professionals if they can't leverage the best out of it. Eg. Now any one should be able to map the terrorist centres as well for that matter that police can target.
by Raviteja, Bangalore, on Dec 11, 2008 07:17 PM, Report abuse Reply
I agree banning Google Earth will reduce terroism, I recommed the advocate to file a public interest litigation for banning mobile phone as these are used for communication purpose , then another PIL for banning internet cause this is being used for commincation , another PIL for banning airways , railways will this really solve the puzzle , unless until people should know the responsible and the value of human lives this will never have an end , it is a shamefull that only we human are really gone mad in killing their own spieces ......
by Vallinayagam, Chennai, on Dec 11, 2008 07:00 PM, Report abuse Reply
by noha, tripoli, on Dec 11, 2008 06:55 PM, Report abuse Reply
it is illogical and stupid to succumb to terroism.terrorists are tech savy and have powerfull contacts.banning google earth etc. will really not prevent them from getting what they want
by sanath, bangalore, on Dec 11, 2008 06:28 PM, Report abuse Reply
Ban in technology is no substitute to prevention of and protection from terrorist attacks. It is rather arbitrary to seek ban of google earth. May be this wise citizen should ask for a comprehensive ban on any-type f\of photography within India, ban on emails as these could used to exchange sensitive information. Censorship on all incoming and out going post. Mandatory recording of all telephone calls made into and from India. Stop shooting bollywood movies on indian soil. Look this is ridiculous we cannot stop further attacks by banning utilities, We need to more thought on how we can safeguard our home land rather than on knee jerk reactions in seeking bans.
by Swaroop Valluri, melbourne, on Dec 11, 2008 06:19 PM, Report abuse Reply
by sajed darwish, ramallah, on Dec 11, 2008 06:05 PM, Report abuse Reply
Does the Banning of Google Earth will stop the people arround the world to get the information on topography / Road Maps and required informations of any location. On the other hand Students and Educated persons are getting lot of knowlledges / Information on Topoghraphycal / geological / Geograpghical and over all world as a planet.We get to know our world better. We claim that we have satelites to take pictures of the region regularly. Are we monitoring the whole procedure honestly. Only filling PIL will not serve the purpose. It is a procedure to get name publish in media. Rooksac should be banned, (including Mobile Phn.) as some of the terroists were found to carry weapons ???
by Shom Nath Chakr, Kolkata, on Dec 11, 2008 05:55 PM, Report abuse Reply
by sumit, kanpur, on Dec 11, 2008 05:49 PM, Report abuse Reply
Lets ban underwear. A terrorist can hide bombs in his underwear. A stupid lawyer with a stupid PIL. It would be waste of my Tax money if this PIL goes ahead. I want my tax money back.
by Ashish, Delhi, on Dec 11, 2008 05:46 PM, Report abuse Reply
In fact Our military and Security Personnel can use Google Earth or Wikimapia Images to track the Terrorists Holdouts in Pakistan and Occupied area of J & K. This would be indeed a Positive approach to eliminate the terrorists
by dholepatil, Maharashtra, on Dec 11, 2008 05:35 PM, Report abuse Reply
We now know that most of such planning happens outside india and is then executed inside india. Therefore, blocking Google Earth in India does not have any impact on the misdoer's planning. We have to use our US relations and bring in agreements. So that US government directs Google to block the images of strategic importance on their servers. Thus, no one in the world can see the iamges using Google Earth. Still, big cities will remain open. We have to build our counter measures instead of blamming good and useful technology. Remember, we can also see their training camps on the same google earth!
by Vinod, Chennai, on Dec 11, 2008 05:18 PM, Report abuse Reply
This is foolish!! Google Earth is innovation. If we start thinking like this then knife and even safety pins should not be sold and banned.
by Ravi, Chennai, on Dec 11, 2008 04:46 PM, Report abuse Reply
He he he. The funny part is the attackers were not Indians and the planning was not done in India. Banning Google Earth in India will still make it available in the neighboring countries. Where do we stand now?
by Christopher, Ahmedabad, on Dec 11, 2008 04:22 PM, Report abuse Reply
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i love my india
by rajkumar, panipat, on Mar 24, 2009 04:24 PM, Report abuse Reply