Google Earth is basically a giant browsable satelitte image of planet Earth. Might not seem like a big deal at first, bug some of the military types are getting worried because anyone can go ahead and look at detailed images of their bases.

Now given the recent behaviour of the RIAA and MPAA, you'd figure the first reaction would be to ban Google Earth. And indeed, that's sort of what the US did; Google has blurred out images of the White House and other key government buildings. What surprised me is how reasonable the non-US countries seem to be taking this.

In this era of technology, you have to live with the fact that almost everything is on the internet - from bomb-making instructions to assembling aircraft. So it's something the military has to learn to live with and adapt.

- Brigadier Daya Ratnayake, of Sri Lanka

the issue of satellite imagery had been discussed at the highest level but the government had concluded that 'technology cannot be stopped'. We are aware that there are websites which give detailed pictures of buildings like the president's house including every tree in the compound. Our security agencies are aware of this but how can we stop technology?

- Anonymous security official from India

If only corporate America were as reasonable.