Privacy is DEAD!

Google has given us more ways to see a lot of things that we did not want people to look at. Be it your house via satellite (Google Earth), your achievements (Google search your name), your phone number and even your address (Google Phonebook feature). It so happens that if you are good at googling, you can pretty much find anything. The other day, I was buying a computer accessory from CraigsList and I made a deal with this person. He only revealed me his email when he replied to mine. Not only did I get his full name, I got his significant achievements, his video, his phone number and his address. Virtually, I am over his house right now in Google Earth. Is this bad? Good? Who knows? I got an idea beforehand what his address was and it was easier for me to get a printout of the directions. I won't reveal his identity here but its a classic case of identity revelation.

Take for instance the Phonebook feature. My cousin wanted my mailing address and I gave her mine. For curiosity, I looked up for hers in google and got her complete address/ph from Phonebook. I sent her Google Earth snapshot of her house and she was completely stunned. Ofcourse, I told her to remove from the public listing (yup, its possible). Plus, I could even find for our other cousins/friends. I guess its all nice and fun when you do for "good" reasons.

So, what's the meaning of privacy now? One thing is for sure. Its shrinking day by day and somehow, we are like celebrities now. Knowing the whole time that somebody may be watching us. Its strange we used to hate celebs crying over such issues but we are in the same situation and can't do anything about it. Or can we? How long can we save our privacy?