The Borings family v. Google

["Richard M. Smith" <rms () computerbytesman com>]

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0404081google1.html


Couple Sues Google Over "Street View"


Pittsburgh pair claims privacy invaded by posting of home photo


APRIL 4--A Pittsburgh couple is suing Google for invasion of privacy,
claiming that the web giant's popular "Street View" mapping feature has made
a photo of their home available to online searchers. Aaron and Christine
Boring accuse Google 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," according to a lawsuit the couple filed
this week in Allegheny County's Court of Common Pleas. A copy of the April 2
complaint can be found below. According to the Borings, they purchased their
Oakridge Lane home in late-2006 for "a considerable sum of money," noting
that a "major component of their purchase decision was a desire for
privacy." But when Pittsburgh was added last October to the roster of cities
covered by Google's "Street View" feature, the Borings allege, their
"private information was made known to the public," causing them "mental
suffering" and diminishing the value of their home (which cost the couple
$163,000, according to property records). The Borings are seeking in excess
of $25,000 in damages and want a court order directing Google to destroy
images of their home. Click
<http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0404081google7.html>  here
for some photos of the Boring property, which is now even easier to locate
via Google Maps, since the plaintiffs included their home address on the
lawsuit's first page.

 

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