In yet another example of the possible misuse of the growing knowledge accessible to the public, governmental leaders in several countries have expressed concerns over the Google Maps and the Google Earth mapping systems information now available on the internet.

Key officials in Thailand, The Netherlands, South Korea, and India have all expressed concern over the Google satellite mapping systems and the potential for terrorists to use those mapping details to plan attacks on specific targets around the world. The recently released Google Earth mapping service is designed to use local search and satellite images to give map-viewers three-dimensional images of buildings and the local terrain.

Of particular concern is the seeming openness of information regarding the world?s developing countries. Whereas Google Earth has blocked many strategic US governmental locations from being available, similar areas in other countries are fully detailed by the free satellite mapping system. This has led to numerous concerns that terrorists would be able to access the information and use it for detrimental purposes. This would make developing countries, already in danger of terrorist attacks, even easier targets for those who seek to take advantage of the intricate mapping available.

As examples, Google Earth reportedly has made available high resolution images of the military bases in South Korea as well as detailed satellite photos of the Parliament House and surrounding government offices in New Delhi, India.