Some Observers - Filed under 'crime'

The Changing Face of Mexican Extortion [Chris Blattman] - Mexican gangs now seeking recruits with technology knowledge to take the fight digital.
Singapore Gets Wired for Speed [NY Times] - SE Asia's tech-savvy city-state bumps up broadband speeds.
Tianyu Leads Handset Rise in China [WSJ] - A relative unknown globally is leaping up the charts in China, bringing some innovation with it.
India's Clogged Railways Stall Economic Progress [NY Times] - Economic growth and integration in India is held back by problems growing the rail system. This may drive opportunities into digital areas as physical commerce is hindered.

Filed under // broadband China crime India infrastructure Mexico mobile Singapore Tianyu transportation

Street View Coming to Africa

http://www.flickr.com/photos/byrion/ / CC BY 2.0

The Guardian today reports that Google plans to bring its Street View technology to South Africa in order to provide street-level views of locations to accompany its ubiquitous Maps. While some may be pleased that Africa is now able to share in a service and technology available in developed countries, local authorities are not as pleased, saying the availability of the images will make it easier for criminal interests to plan robberies without having to leave their hideouts.

Crime and technology and intertwined, and have been as long as their has been a crowbar available to pry open a door, or wheels to make a getaway. This dynamic is not African but global. It will be a shame if concerns about potential misuse of the data that could occur anywhere stands in the way of its deployment.

The positive benefits, on the other hand, far outweigh the negatives. First in South Africa, then potentially across the continent, Google's images will help boost the utility of the BOPNet in this area (see upcoming posts for more on this). Plans reportedly call for using more rugged vehicles to capture hard to reach areas. Mobile and Web users with access to Google Maps will be able to leverage important location and wayfinding data that may save them a much higher cost of having bad information. who knows? It may even encourage development in areas that can be scouted from a distance. This situation will bear watching.

Filed under // Africa BOPNet crime Google location South Africa Street View

Posted by Scott Smith

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SO Links: Week 24

Street View Coming to Africa

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SO Links: Week 24

Street View Coming to Africa