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First Google Maps Hack Takedown

Posted by timothy on from the how-about-an-ellroy-crime-site-map-of-LA dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Despite "users accelerating innovation" with Google Maps the 'hacks' are not immune from Google's legal team, who have taken down "Google Wallpapers for violating the terms of agreement. From a quick skim through the terms it would seem that most sites using the Google Maps data are in violation. Are Chicago Crime and Google Sightseeing next to go?" It may be a shame to shut down Google Maps offshoots, but that has to be the nicest take-down note I've ever seen; it's polite, friendly and reasonable. Update: 06/08 21:22 GMT by T : Below, a few more of the current uses for Google Maps. An anonymous reader submits "The AP is running a story about the multiple uses for Google Maps. Among the uses, Tracking sexual predators in Florida, Guiding travelers to the cheapest gas nationwide, Pinpointing $1,500 studio apartments for rent in Manhattan, and Finding crime in Chicago. It'll be interesting to see if Google allows these sites to remain online or not."

12 of 325 comments (clear)

  1. If you must be evil... by straponego · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...at least be nice about it?

    1. Re:If you must be evil... by Morel · · Score: 4, Funny

      I think Winston Churchill said it best:

      "If you must kill a man, it costs you nothing to be polite about it."

      Cheers,

      Morel

  2. Re:Getting Google Takedowns with Google... by suwain_2 · · Score: 4, Funny

    How about a cache of their cache just to be paranoid?

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  3. Google starts the takedown.... by ErikTheRed · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...and then we finish the job with a Slashdotting. Nice.

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    Help save the critically endangered Blue Iguana
  4. Down.. by devross · · Score: 5, Funny

    Are Chicago Crime and Google Sightseeing next to go?

    Unfortunately yes, but that's because of us, not their violation of terms with Google.

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    If these walls could talk they'd probly still ignore me. --MF DOOM
  5. One day... by LegendOfLink · · Score: 5, Funny

    "but that has to be the nicest take-down note I've ever seen; it's polite, friendly and reasonable."

    Many years from now, we will see a similar Slashdot post when Google becomes the New World Order:

    Dear Bill,

    The GoogleOS team recently noticed that you guys have had your asses handed to you, by us. We commend you on your many years of somehow staying at the top, despite the fact that you sorely neglected securing your software. Sorry we had to break your record; but your evil violated the official Evil Google TOS, listed on our home page.

    Lots of love and warm tapioca,
    Larry and Sergei

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    IGB: More fun than eating oatmeal!
  6. Waste of effort... by Beek+Dog · · Score: 2, Funny

    They might as well just post the offending URL here. Down quicker than you can say "Service Unavailable".

  7. Re:Nicest Shut down? by soft_guy · · Score: 3, Funny

    I think a C&D letter written in L337 speak would be hillarious.

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  8. Re:There should be a new /. section called 'google by shakezula · · Score: 2, Funny

    I agree, I mean damn...BSD has its own section, and its DEAD!

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  9. In other Google news... by uberdave · · Score: 2, Funny

    Google is releasing a new beta project called Google Posters. With it, you will be able to have large poster sized satellite maps of any point of interest.

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    "I'm not impatient. I just hate waiting." - My Dad
  10. Would said letter start somthing like by visgoth · · Score: 4, Funny

    d00d u r n trbl...

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    My patience is infinite, my time is not.
  11. Re:Google Maps are awfully distorted anyway by Stankatz · · Score: 2, Funny

    Did you ask google for permission before posting that link? Hmmm?