Google's Streetview Seen As Culturally Insensitive In Japan

Jim O'Connell writes "Global Voices has a translation of an excellent open letter to Google by Osamu Higuchi, explaining that Street view is too invasive for Japanese traditional values when used in residential areas. Having lived here for ten years, most recently in an older residential area, I can attest to its accuracy — Living in such close proximity to your neighbors, it becomes necessary to 'not look' at everything that you might be able see from a place such as the street, where you may have a legal right to be. The cultural boundaries are simply different than those of the US."

Comments

Re:Ever heard of blinds?

[dintech]

There you go making the rest of your country-men look bad. Your statement is a shining example of why the rest of the world thinks Americans are closed minded, ignorant, self-centered and just plain stupid. Good job keeping the stereotype alive.

Re:Not all cultures are the same

[Dekker3D]

"almost but not quite an asshole" that'd be better than those same people being complete assholes, right? it won't solve anything, but it would sure help a lot, if done right. those last three words are the problem though, how would you prevent abuse?

Re:The land of the apathetic

[arth1]

Give me one example of such a "huge protest".
One.