SACRAMENTO, April 2 (UPI) -- A California legislator wants to require online maps of the state to limit the level of detail for public buildings to keep terrorists from using them.
Republican Assemblyman Joel Anderson said that Internet mappers could either "smear it or back the camera off," The Sacramento Bee reported Thursday.
He argues that satellite map services like Google Map allow terrorists to see everything from doors to rooftop vents at schools, churches and shopping centers. The terrorists who attacked Mumbai in November allegedly used online satellite imagery in planning the assault.
"We should not be helping bad people map their next target," Anderson said.
Google Corp. said that the bill might be a violation of free speech. Microsoft, which also offers online maps, declined to comment.
Connie Conway, a Republican assemblywoman who supports the bill, said that in Tulare County teens looking for places to skateboard have used online maps to find foreclosed houses with swimming pools.
