Google Map Images People Eslpod Due Users Military

Many Americans "turn to" (decide to use) Google Maps when they need to "pinpoint" (specify) the location of something or figure out how to drive somewhere. However, due to its popularity, Google Maps has become "mired" (involved in problems) in several controversies.

Some people criticize a "functionality" (something that software does) called Google Map Maker, which allows users to add data to maps. Once users "input" (contribute; provide) information, it is owned by Google, which can "profit" (make money) from it. "Critics" (people who do not like something) say that this isn't fair, because "the public" (general, ordinary people) are doing the work for free.

More serious criticisms of Google Maps involve privacy. Google takes many images for its street view features, but the U.S. military has asked Google to remove some images of its "bases" (places where military officials work) due to "security concerns" (fears that something is not safe).

Sometimes Google's images include "license plates" (the numbers on a piece of metal placed on cars for identification), faces, or even "nude" (naked) "sunbathers" (people who are trying to get tanned (browner skin) by the sun). Google has caught surprising images of a man appearing to "break into" (enter without permission) an apartment building, a man in the middle of a sneeze, and "tollbooth operators" (people whose job is to take money from drivers so that they can use a bridge or street) who did not know they were being photographed. When these are "discovered" (found) by map users, they are shared and sometimes "take on a life of their own" (become out of control), embarrassing, or creating problems for the people who are shown in those images.