Google Sued Over Privacy Invasion On Street View

mikkl666 writes "A couple from Pittsburgh has sued Google because a photo of their house appeared on Google Street View. They are demanding in excess of $25,000 to make up for the 'mental suffering' and the diminished value of their home. Their street is apparently marked with a 'Private Road' sign, and they claim that putting a photo of their property online is an 'intentional and/or grossly reckless invasion' of their privacy. Google, on the other hand, claims that this lawsuit is pointless since anyone can ask them to have pictures removed without legal action. We've previously discussed some of the privacy concerns surrounding Street View."

Re:Diminished Value?

[AaxelB]

I don't see how their home should suffer from "diminished value". Their home is going to be worth *more* if anything (more visibility = more famous = more value).

It might be more of a subjective metric for "value." Their names are "Aaron and Christine Boring" (I glanced at TFA, so sue me), so more visibility = more exciting place to live = not boring.

Especially after this lawsuit, they'll have to get the hell out of there to live up to their name.

Ambulance Chasers

[Detritus]

I think the judge should have a big red button on the bench, connected to a solenoid and trap-door located under the plaintiff and his lawyer. As volcanoes are in short supply, a pool full of hungry crocodiles would do.

Re:Diminished Value?

[schon]

the fact that it is on a "private" road. Google's images demonstrate how little that is really worth

So in other words, they're angry at Google for pointing out their own stupidity?

Re:I don't like that defense

[Megane]

Third, I would love so hear how taking pictures of a property devalues it.

I'd like to hear it too. Because apparently Google took pictures of MY house late last year, taking a picture of my old garage door with its missing window pane, and a big pile of leaves on the driveway. If they don't read my mind and update the picture the moment I think there's a problem with it, maybe I should sue?

Re:I warned them

[MrNaz]

I'm not usually a proponent of psychoactive drugs, but when objections to Google Street View turn into a geo political rant and ideological spleen venting about power politics in a war zone, then I think a Valium is definitely called for.

Re:I warned them

[Dutch Gun]

No, that should read: One does not simply walk into Google...

Re:They Should Sue The County Too

[BACPro]

As I was reading the summary and comments (article too!), I had envisioned a sprawling mansion with swimming pools and gates that keep out the paparazzi and keep in the polo horses.

The photo presented looks like an opening shot from "Flip This House"

I think I can hear banjos in the background...

Re:Diminished Value?

[aplusjimages]

Remember Google did this intentionally to ruin this specific family's privacy. Or at least these people say Google did it intentionally. What Google should do is remove the house, but in it's place put an ad.

Streetview can come *into* your house!!

[danceswithtrees]

Here is the proof. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9004971557883691425&q=google+maps+street+view&total=258&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2 [google.com]