Pentagon Bars Google Earth From Mapping
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has banned Google Earth teams from making detailed street-level video maps of American military bases.
A message sent to all Department of Defense bases and installations around the country late last week told officials to not allow the popular mapping Web site from taking panoramic views inside the facilities.
A spokesman for U.S. Northern Command, Michael Kucharek, told the Associated Press yesterday that the decision was made after crews were allowed access to at least one base. He said military officials were concerned that allowing the 360-degree, street-level video could provide sensitive information to potential adversaries and endanger base personnel.
His comments came just a few days after published reports suggested that protesters used Google Earth to help plot their access to the roof of the Parliament building in London.
