NEW YORK, June 10 (Xinhua) -- New York state lawmaker Michael Gianaris on
Sunday called on Google Earth to blur views of potential terror targets on its
maps.
At a Sunday morning press conference, the Queens assemblyman says federal
authorities need to work with Google to blur maps that detail sensitive areas
such as airports, chemical storage plants and military bases.
The call comes after reports that the terrorists who were plotting to blow
up a pipeline feeding JFK airport, used the site to plan their attack.
Gianaris said he had written three letters to Google Earth's CEO and had
received one response, saying the website has enough security measures in place.
Google said in a statement: "Anyone who flies above or drives by a piece of
property can obtain similar information. Google takes security concerns very
seriously, and is always willing to discuss them with public agencies and
officials."
New Yorkers have mixed feelings about Gianaris' concerns. Some think the
information is already out there. Some think a general map does not constitute a
threat.
On June 2, the Federal Bureau of Investigation exposed an unfledged terror
plot masterminded by a Brooklyn man and three foreigners intending to blow up
the fuel line at JFK Airport.
If the plot were carried out, the consequences would be unthinkable,
city officials said.