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Top 10 Places We'll Show You That Google Can't!

CitizenSugar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:50:32 -0800

Google Earth an Accomplice to Mumbai Massacre?

LibertySugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:30:12 -0800

India may ban Google Earth after allegations that those responsible for the Mumbai massacre used the online tool to plan their attacks. Google may need more than its motto "Do No Evil" to prevent its technology from harming people.

A petition filed in the Bombay High Court asks the court to demand that Google blur sensitive images, until the court reaches a decision on whether to ban the satellite service altogether.

It seems reasonable to remove sensitive locations from Google Earth, but banning otherwise innocent tools capable of doing harm could be impossible. In other words, should officials ban cell phones, if terrorists use them to communicate?

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What's Missing From Your Internet? Google Deletes Content

CitizenSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:30:09 -0800

Google controls 63 percent of the world's Internet searches. It also owns YouTube, where 13 hours of content are uploaded every minute. It's the most influential company on the wild, wild Web, controlling more of what we view and how we view it than anyone else.

With this power come requests to remove content from around the world, but Google is not as interested in censoring as much it is in ensuring its presence worldwide. The one mandate? "Be everywhere, get arrested nowhere, and thrive in as many places as possible."

Flagged YouTube content goes straight to 20-something reviewers in its California office, but requests coming from governments quickly work their way up Google's chain of command. If content violates a country's law or YouTube terms of service, it's immediately removed; however, not all requests are so black and white.

So what's being removed? To find out,

Diplomacy 2.0? State Department Turns to Online Groups

LibertySugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:30:06 -0800

What do Google, MTV, Facebook, Howcast, and the US State Department all have in common? They're joining forces to fight terrorism, political oppression, and crime. Inspired by a Colombian Facebook movement against FARC rebels, the US government wants to take advantage of online youth groups that promote stability, human rights, and democracy.

In early December, organizations fighting oppression and violence in places like Burma, Egypt, Uganda, Darfur, India, South Africa, Britain, South Africa, and Turkey will meet in New York City to get the Alliance of Youth Movements up and running. The US State Department has donated $50,000 to sponsor delegate travel. Observers from Iraq and Afghanistan will attend, and participants from Cuba will participate remotely.

While they're taking a break from discussing how to build online youth movements, they'll listen to guest speakers, including Whoopi Goldberg. MTV and Howcast will stream the event live. Are you happy to see the US State Department support international movements, started in the private sector, that favor US policy?

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Google Launches Flu Tracker to Analyze Search Trends

Molly — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:30:07 -0800

This week, Google launched its newest health-related project — the Google Flu Trends tracker. The Internet giant's philanthropic arm, Google.org, is tracking people's searches for terms like "flu symptoms," "thermometer" or "flu diagnosis" as indicators of parts of the country where there may be flu activity. According to the site, it will have the ability to "estimate flu activity in your state up to two weeks faster than traditional flu surveillance systems." They worked with the CDC to test their accuracy and are confident that it will be a helpful tool this flu season.

Some are skeptical of the tracker's accuracy, while others worry that it shouldn't be relied on because the at risk elderly population won't be searching on the Internet. Still others are a little worried about the big brother reminiscent aspects of Google working with the government to track search. While Google has had search trends visible for a while, this seems like a more drilled down focus on them. So what do you think about Google Flu Trends tracker, helpful tool or does it feel like an invasion of privacy?

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Battle of Ground Games: Candidates Sweep US to Get Out Vote

LibertySugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0800

Supports have been registered, and appeals for votes have been made. But the work has just begun — John McCain and Barack Obama must make sure their supporters vote, and then subsequently make sure every vote is counted. That, my friends, is called a ground game! Google put together this handy gadget that lets you track the candidates as they canvas the country. Have you done anything to help get out the vote for your candidate this year?

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Human Rights Online: Tech Companies Adopt Conduct Code

LibertySugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:15 -0700

Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft are set to adopt voluntary and uniform guidelines to govern their international business practices, this week. These Internet companies have struggled to find acceptable means to deal with countries like China, which silence the voice of dissidents on the Internet, and block certain websites. China has used emails sent by dissidents as evidence to put them behind bars.

Part of the code of conduct will require the companies to carefully scrutinize a government's demand for information about users, or government requests for nationwide censorship. The rules, generated by teams from the tech companies, public interest groups, academics, and socially conscious investment funds, weren't just created in the name of human rights — they're also designed to counter bad publicity surrounding tech company compliance with repressive governments.

Should international companies stay true to their hometown freedoms, or should they expect to play by the rules of all the countries where they do business?

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Top 10 Places We'll Show You That Google Can't!

LibertySugar — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:55:38 -0700

Top 10 Places We'll Show You That Google Can't! Ah, Google Maps. That street view function that's captured so many a crazy scene has raised security, political, and privacy hackles the world over. From refugee camps to British swimming pools the program's reach is pervasive — so much so that this list of 51 places impervious from spying eyes grabbed my attention — and made me want to see what Google has to hide.

Is Google Searching For Public Policy Answers?

LibertySugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:15:55 -0700

Google wants to get the US economy running on clean energy. This week Google's nonprofit announced a plan to cut the use of fossil fuels in the US before 2030. For $4.4 trillion "Clean Energy 2030" would help end the use of coal and oil to generate electricity. The plan would allow for the use of natural gas and nuclear power, and also calls for cutting oil use in cars by 40 percent. By 2030, however, the net savings would top $1 trillion.

Google's climate and energy technology manager explained the company's motivation:

We can build whole new industries and create millions of new jobs. We can cut energy costs, both at the gas pump and at home. We can improve our national security. And we can put a big dent in climate change. With strong leadership we could be moving forward on an aggressive but realistic timeline and an approach that offsets costs with real economic gains.

Google asserts that the US will have to invest in renewable energy research, upgrade the electricity grid, impose better mileage standards, and build infrastructure such as charging stations for electric vehicles. Should Americans turn to the private sector for leadership on a public issue?

Briefing Book! Google Opposes Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

LibertySugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0700

Same-Sex Marriage: Wrapping up the Google vote? Google makes a public stand against California's proposed same-sex marriage ban. — SFist
Supreme Court: Gotcha questions or crucial questions? Roe v. Wade may be the only Supreme Court case Sarah Palin knows. — Femisting
Bailout: What would voters do? Voters split on bailout 45 percent for, 45 percent against. — Donklephant
Conservatism: Why does conservative writer David Brooks hate conservatives? It's one thing to disagree with House Republicans' vote, but another to question their motives. — Townhall
Pirates: They just want the money? Questions and answers with a pirate. — The Lede
Obama: How Obama wins? Hint: he already did. — 23/6

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Obama Fights the Smears One Google at a Time

LibertySugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:00:44 -0700

The Obama campaign is using Google to squash damaging and untrue rumors. By bidding on search terms like "Barack Obama birth certificate," or "Barack Obama as Muslim" Obama makes sure that he gets a word in. At the top of search results for these terms, up pops sponsored links to Obama's "Fight the Smears" website created to debunk the rumors specifically.

McCain strategists have been using Google as an offensive front for some time, bidding on words like "Viet Nam," "US Naval Academy," "POW," and "World War Two." The hope is that people who search those terms will see a McCain for President Ad, visit the website, and ultimately donate to McCain.

Currently, twice as many unique visitors go to Barack's website, compared to McCain's — do you think the race to the White House goes through the Google?

Google Plans Computer Navy to Bypass Laws and Taxes

LibertySugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:00:09 -0700

Who needs countries with laws and taxes, when you can house crucial parts of your company on ships at sea outside of any country's jurisdiction? Google answered "not us" to that question, as the Internet giant has plans to relocate the machines that run its search engine on ships located seven miles offshore.

The company says that wave energy would power and cool the eco-friendly "water-based" data centers. While the tax-incentives and legal advantages may make you take a cynical outlook on the plan, the amount of energy used to cool servers does take a toll — Internet data centers consumed one percent on the world's electricity in 2005, and by 2020 computers that run the Internet will leave a larger carbon footprint than air travel.

Still, it makes me nervous to think Google, which holds so much of our personal data, could escape government regulation. Are you confident Google would still do no evil?

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Searching For Trouble? Google India Advertises Illegal Sex Kit

CitizenSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:00:35 -0700

To the naked eye, the ad was like any other that pops up mid-browse on the ol' webs: a picture of a pregnant woman with a female symbol on one side and a male on the other. However, the ad featured on Google, is for an illegal gender selection kit.

Google has been ordered by the Indian Supreme Court to respond to a petition to remove the ads — they did, for a short period of time — but as of this week, they're back. Gender selection is a big problem in India, where female fetuses are aborted at an alarming rate. The author of the petition says by running the ads, Google is "breaking the law and making money. Every time you click on that ad, Google is making money." He went on to say, "What we are dealing with is a genocide."

To see how the company has been getting around the law,

Top 10 Places We'll Show You That Google Can't!

CitizenSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:45:34 -0700

Ah, Google Maps. That street view function that's captured so many a crazy scene has raised security, political, and privacy hackles the world over. From refugee camps to British swimming pools the program's reach is pervasive — so much so that this list of 51 places impervious from spying eyes grabbed my attention — and made me want to see what Google has to hide. Not just the locations, but the reasons behind the pixelation, behold, the top 10 sites that you won't find on Google Maps.

The Googles Are Watching! Britain Not Ready for StreetView

LibertySugar — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:00:45 -0700

Americans may worry about intrusive government spying, but the Brits fear Google as the next Big Brother. Google Earth cars are driving around England, taking 360-degree pictures of houses and streets, and putting them online, as part of its StreetView program.

Answering privacy critics in Europe, Google agreed to blur faces. But, the British worry about strangers, innocent and not, knowing whether they have a swimming pool, what type of car they drive, or which is the best way to rob their homes.

I can see how some may feel these camera-cars invade privacy; however, if they only show public streets people could travel to themselves, isn't the application just making the world more accessible? The most compelling argument against the StreetView is the thought that criminals and burglars can scope out a possible crime scene, without alerting anyone. Less serious criminals, like teenagers organizing pool parties at strangers' homes, have proven the threat.

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The Google Defense: Can Search Terms Determine Obscenity?

LibertySugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

A defendant in an obscenity trial hopes to introduce Google search data to show that community tastes go beyond apple pie and toward a more sexual appetite. Under the law, a jury or judge must decide if the alleged obscenity violates the vague benchmark of "community standards."

In the past, defendants have relied on the wide availability of sexual material in the community, to prove standards. The current defendant, pornographic website operator Clinton Raymond McCowen's, wants to go further, showing interest and consumption rather than availability. While local statistics from Pensacola, FL, show that residents search NASCAR, surfing, and Nintendo more than orgy, orgy competes with apple pie, and other wholesome American terms, reports the New York Times.

This unusual case reveals the futility of trying to carefully censor the Internet. Since 2000 the US federal government has initiated only 15 nonchild porn-related obscenity cases. Local prosecutors have similarly dropped the charges against Internet porn.

If a jury finds this porn-site operator guilty of obscenity, and then goes home and searches for porn, are they acting like a bunch of hypocrites? Should citizens be left to self-censor the Internet? Does it make you nervous to realize how much data Google keeps?

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Trespassing? Facebook and Google Spark Sneaky Pool Parties

CitizenSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 06:00:37 -0700

It might be the terrible technological bratty kid of the marriage of technology and too much Summer free time — get a load of this trend: using Google Earth to pinpoint local houses with surreptitious swimming pools in the backyard, kids are then logging on to Facebook to poke their buddies into an impromptu and illegal pool party.

It's called "dipping" and pool owners are steaming mad. For one illicit swimfest event posted, invitations were sent to 500 users. Police say pool owners have woken up to find strange kids in the pool, come home from work to find their pools littered with beer cans — or worse. Police are trying to crack down on the trespassing pool crawls saying, “We are advising owners of swimming pools to be on their guard and extra vigilant. We would also warn prospective swimmers that using someone else’s pool is trespassing and therefore illegal.”

Does the tech-savvy prank cross the line from harmless fun to criminal mischief? Should networking sites be held responsible for invitations to illegal activity posted? Is the idea genius, even if it's not advisable?

Google Cofounder Books Space Flight

CitizenSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:10:51 -0700

Google Co-founder Books Space Flight According to Reuters: Google cofounder Sergey Brin wants to go to space and has made a $5 million down payment to book a seat on a future orbital space flight with Space Adventures, the space tourism company said on Wednesday. The company said it was creating an Orbital Mission Explorers Circle of members who will each contribute $5 million to pay for the company to launch its first private mission to the International Space Station.

Israeli Solider Jailed For Posting Photos on Facebook

CitizenSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:30:07 -0700

An Israeli soldier just received a 19-day jail sentence for posting photos on his Facebook page without permission from his superiors.

The soldier is serving in an elite air force unit, and this case and punishment appears to be the first of its kind. The Israeli army has recently cracked down on sharing photos after finding pics posted to Internet sites, which were taken in clear violation of the photography ban on bases. They're ordering servicemen in sensitive units to remove any photos that they had uploaded onto the Facebook site.

With Google Maps being kicked off military bases, and tons of soldiers blogging and posting photos on networking sites like Facebook, is it a potential security risk? Should there be strict rules for sharing personal information if you're in the military? Was the prison sentence too much?

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Strategists Hope Guessing What You Google Will Bring in Cash

LibertySugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:00:21 -0700

Republican internet strategists are buying search terms they hope will be used by potential McCain supporters. Politics are infusing Google AdWords — those eerie ads that appear off to the side of web pages.

Ever come across a candidate's little blue link on the side of a random web site? That's because they're analyzing what you Google and how it might reflect your politics!

McCain strategists bid on words like "Viet Nam," "US Naval Academy," "POW," and "World War Two." The hope is that people who search those terms will see a McCain for President Ad, visit the website, and ultimately donate to McCain.

What words do you think Obama and Clinton supporters would likely search? What about Ron Paul, and Ralph Nader die-hards?

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Technology Being Used to Fight Street and Web Crime

LibertySugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:00:11 -0700

Ever wish your laptop could do more than just order you up a pair of shoes? How about using it to fight crime? Victims of crimes in Brazil can now log onto Wikicrimes and pinpoint the exact intersection of the criminal attack. Created by a Brazilian professor, the site asks contributors to provide details such as whether the perpetrator was armed or whether a third party can confirm the incident.

The unavailability of police data in Brazil has prompted the public to warn others by amplifying the power of word of mouth with the internet. To see how Google aims to stop sexual predators,

Google Earth to Show Refugee Camps — Great Idea or Too Far?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:45:25 -0700

The ever-addicting Google Earth feature (who hasn't looked up every house they've ever lived in?) has a brand new feature with a humanitarian twist. The feature is set to show the movement of refugees around the world using satellite images of refugee hot spots such as Darfur, Iraq, and Colombia. The maps are designed to help humanitarian operations as well as to inform the public about the millions who have fled their homes because of political violence. Google Earth's successful use after Hurricane Katrina, sparking the expansion idea. The UN Deputy High Commissioner For Refugees said at the launch of the project, “all of the things that we do for refugees in the refugee camps around the world will become more visible.” For example, Google Earth users will be able to see into the Djabal refugee camp in eastern Chad, home to refugees from the conflict in Darfur, and see tents clustered together amid the sparse landscape. Adding a servicey aspect, with another click, users can learn about the difficulty of providing water to some of the 15,000 people.Google Earth faced controversy earlier this year when the US Defense Department cracked down banning views of military bases. By extension, if people wanting to help refugees can see the camps, could those wishing to harm them use the info, too? What about issues of privacy? Have we given enough thought to the bigger questions of this powerful technology?Source

Google Earth to Show Refugee Camps — Great Idea or Too Far?

Great Idea. The more people see situations, the more real it becomes.

Too far. I think we need to consider the safety and privacy issues at stake.

Other. I can see you on my Google Earth now. I'll talk to you in the comments.

Google to Help the CIA Spy

LibertySugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:00:58 -0700

Google is helping the CIA get its blog on. The internet search engine giant will supply the technology for a Wikipedia-style intelligence site: Intellipedia.

Agents will post information about targets on a secure internal forum where they can read, edit, and tag their own content, as well as the content of other spies. There will be three levels of access: top secret, secret and sensitive, and sensitive but unclassified.

This is just one of the many lucrative contracts secured by Google's "Federal Government Sales Team." It is reassuring that the government is willing to look to the private sector for innovative national security technology.

But, does it make you at all nervous that Google, a company with unimaginable access to information about private citizens, is getting nice and cozy with the federal government?

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Get the Google Primary Map for Your Website

CitizenSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:00:29 -0700

Are you so obsessed with the election and the hot, hot delegate count that you want to embed an up to the minute presidential primary map in your blog or website? Uh, yeah, us too.

This couldn't be cooler. Zoom in, zoom out, sort by party, see results by state, with the all new fancy feature: get the code for your own website! Seriously. Go do it. You can even pick your own border color and then we can all map the race to our heart's content.

Headline: Pakistan Bans YouTube

LibertySugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:00:53 -0800

Pakistan's government asked YouTube to prevent people in Pakistan from viewing the video-sharing website, citing content offensive to Islam. It was most likely blocked because it contains controversial drawings of the Prophet Mohammad, such as those printed in Danish newspapers in 2006. A recent republishing of the drawings sparked fiery protests in Pakistan this weekend.

Brazil, China, Iran, Morocco, Myanmar (Burma), Syria, and Thailand have also blocked the popular site owned by Google for various reasons including that it's subversive, immoral, embarrassing to public figures, or critical of leaders.

I can't imagine life without YouTube. One of the great things about the site is that you can find just about anything, without any sort of censorship or filter. Do you think it would be the same if videos that may be offensive to Islam are removed? Does censorship void the purpose of YouTube? Is the content inflammatory enough that bans are a necessary step toward avoiding dangerous protests?

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