From Rory Hill.
I WRITE with reference to the recent news of Google’s photography of properties in the Island (JEP, 27 and 28 April).

This activity is part of Google’s wider mission to record and catalogue as much information about the world as possible, to make this available to as many people as possible, and to make as much money as possible therefrom.

The inevitable objections to Google’s invasive activities only slow it down on a few occasions because the company protests that it is not actually operating illegally. This does not mean that what Google is doing with its Street View photography is acceptable or right – rather that most national legislative apparatus simply doesn’t move fast enough to keep up with such novel threats to citizens’ privacy.

Taking detailed photographs of private property without the owner’s permission, and distributing them worldwide, represents not only an affront to privacy but a lucrative addition to Google’s earnings through advertising. Indeed, Google profit from distributing these photographs, while the property owners don’t receive a penny. In the information economy of the 21st century, therefore, money is being made at our expense.

Whether out of concerns for privacy or profiteering, some are turning against Google and its insidious Street View activities and banning the company from its streets – Greece being a high-profile recent example. Jersey, as a self-governing jurisdiction, has the opportunity to do the same.

In the meantime, if any readers are concerned at the prospect of Google taking pictures of their property without permission, and making money out of them, I would strongly encourage them to contact Google and demand the removal of the relevant images.