Google Street: Will it affect us?

Eirebear

Given the recent hullaballoo over google's new "street" service and how it seems to have only served to highlight the general paranoia that much of the UK has around photography at the moment (sorry im not sure if the same is happening in Ireland?) could this be another nail in the coffin of the street photographer?

All over the UK there are already signs telling the public to look out for that shady looking guy in the dirty overcoat and handling his camera in the corner, overportective parents in the park etc etc.
These where generally isolated incidents, involving independant photographers, now though a company the size of google is fuelling this paranoia.

Google have already removed thousands of images from their street views, including people in the street, Tony Blair's private home and 10 Downing street...the latter a place that is photographed by thousands of people each year.

At the moment Google seem happy to take the flak and remove unwanted pictures, but how long for?
Someone undertaking a project this size will know the laws inside out, and will be careful to stick to them. How long before they turn around and say, screw you...there is nothing illegal or immoral about this image and it stays online?

What happens next then? Do governments start to use this opportunity to review current laws regarding public photography? Do we start needing a license to shoot on the street, in the pub...our families in the park?

could be some interesting times ahead

nilhg

Seems that the UK gov have already changed the laws concerning photographers. While its seen as a security measure it must have implications for street photography in any area, not just including areas deemed to be vulnerable to terrorist attack.

The thing is that once these laws are enacted its hard to get them repealed and laws tend to get enforced much more over there than here.


I can't see much signs of a general public demand for any change here, and our great leaders seem to have plenty to occupy them at the moment.

Cabaal

Can't see it changing much here in Ireland, just a shame its already f*cked over the UK with stupid laws.

but then its all in the name of terrorists and people's safety
:rolleyes:

Eirebear

Yeah, i read about the new "law" the other day.....can it really be called a law when it's so feckin' vague?

The issue for me in terms of google would more be the privacy side of it, which obviously would effect Ireland as well.
I understand that the mass paranoia and everything being either a terrorist or paedophile isnt quite up to the level of the UK..especially England, but on the same token we have seen members on here being shouted down after posting street scene with a child in it for example.

Borderfox

Sad times and things will not get any better, the UK has gone a bit mental with regard to their new laws/bye laws and how they are implemented. Anything that brings it into the general public light is bad as all photographers (no matter how innocent) are tarred with the same brush.

Eirebear; well written comment

Covey

As soon as I can't shoot on the street, including kids, then my gear is up for sale. :eek:

Eirebear

Covey wrote: »

As soon as I can't shoot on the street, including kids, then my gear is up for sale. :eek:

yeah....you're screwed dude! :pac:

Covey

Though having said that, just had a kids photo "disallowed" from the Guinness Storehouse Comp on Pixie. Shame actually as it's a very kids friendly place.

Eirebear

Covey wrote: »

Though having said that, just had a kids photo "disallowed" from the Guinness Storehouse Comp on Pixie. Shame actually as it's a very kids friendly place.

Interesting, who knocked it back? Did they give a reason?

Covey

Apparently Diageo ( being British and all of that) have it in their T&C's. Didn't read them so thats fair enough, just don't think they should be there in the first place.

We'll end up as a generation without pics of our kids at play

Eirebear

Covey wrote: »

Apparently Diageo ( being British and all of that) have it in their T&C's. Didn't read them so thats fair enough, just don't think they should be there in the first place.

We'll end up as a generation without pics of our kids at play

I suppose their hands may be tied due to the drinks promotion side of it though?

I agree with where your coming from, but i doubt using kids to advertise alcohol would go down too well with many people?