I mentioned back in October that Google’s “Street View” was rolling out in Phoenix. Street View allows web users to “navigate” Google Maps and view 360–degree panoramic images.
In that post I briefly touched on the privacy concerns some folks have with Street View. Now The Smoking Gun reports a Pittsburgh couple has filed a lawsuit against Google alleging Street View of an “intentional and/or grossly reckless invasion” of their seclusion and privacy since they live on a street that is “clearly marked with a ‘Private Road’ sign.”
Huh. Somehow I think the Boring’s (the plaintiffs) have just done far more toward disturbing their privacy than Google’s fuzzy photos would ever accomplish.
They are seeking a judgment “in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars for compensatory, incidental and consequential damages, punitive damages, costs, all allowable attorneys’ fees and all other damages deemed to be just”.
Who knows what will come out of this one…
Hat tip to WebProNews.
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John Lauber 04.04.08 at 4:49 pm
You mean the Google guy didn’t see that “Private Road” sign.
It’s not like this is real-time information. Hey, that coffee is hot by the way. I haven’t seen anyone go down my street with a camera, yet.
Who can we sue next? I tried using Google streetview and as the article you linked to mentioned, the street number was WAAAYY off. Please, come down my street. When you find house #999, let me know.
The Phoenix Real Estate Guy 04.04.08 at 5:43 pm
I hear you John. The litigation craze is just that. Crazy.
Andrew Flusche, Virginia Lawyer 04.04.08 at 7:11 pm
I’m a lawyer, and I can’t even believe this. It’s sad that our society has come to a point where we just sue everyone if we are even a little upset. Nuts!
Mark A. 04.04.08 at 7:29 pm
Well, we didn’t see this one coming. Google, the cash-cow. Let’s see if we can milk’em.
Seriously, this could put a serious dent into my “zestifarming” plans.
Milan Cole 04.04.08 at 7:58 pm
Only in America
Charleston Real Estate Blog 04.05.08 at 6:34 am
I think they need a better attorney, doesn’t this clown know how much Google is worth.
Jayson 04.05.08 at 4:53 pm
I was thinking the same thing when I read about this over at Marketing Pilgrim. Seems like the couple exposed their home and location more than Google ever could.
In their defense, they aren’t suing for billions (only $25K) like the rest of the sue happy Americans running around.
Ken Smith 04.07.08 at 7:20 pm
People just love the idea of free money. Bet they went with the low amount figuring Google would just say the heck with it and pay them off.
Sandy Allen 04.07.08 at 7:59 pm
Austin just came on line with Google Street View - and it was just a little disconcerting (not to mention it was trash day and there sits our can out front). Its certainly not something that I would sue over. Of course, Google may just start offering an “opt-out” to delete your photo like the phone company charges for unlisted numbers. But only using Google checkout.