The Jekyll and Hyde of Google Maps

CNET poses the question, “Are Google Maps good or evil?” in reaction to receiving two different press releases touting both the benefits and negative aspects of Google Maps:

The first was from an outfit called Stop Child Predators, which launched a campaign to tell parents about the potential ills of Google Maps’ Street View, which shows driver’s-eye views of countless neighborhoods.

On the other side was the announcement of CriminalSearches.com, a new service from PeopleFinders.com that said it shows where “sex offenders…thieves, violent offenders, murderers, or con artists” live in your neighborhood. The site shows people icons on a Google map; clicking an icon shows a person’s photo, description, address, and criminal history.

CNET offers and poll and readers comments on the questions of “Do online maps creep you out? Or do you feel safer because they enable you to keep an eye out for threats”

Read more: Are Google Maps good or evil? – CNET News