Webwatch

Since its launch in June, people have been using GOOGLE EARTH, the Internet search engine’s satellite imagery tool, to find popular landmarks, local coffee shops and even undiscovered Roman ruins. But some are concerned the free program could be a security threat. Last week, India’s President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, warned that the high-resolution satellite photographs could assist terrorists in mapping out potential targets, such as India’s Parliament, the President’s house and government offices in New Delhiall of which can be clearly seen in Google’s images. Facing similar complaints from the Netherlands, South Korea and Thailand, Google says that it takes government concerns “very seriously,” but notes that all data it provides is already publicly available. That’s little comfort for Kalam, who has called for stronger laws to govern the release of such sensitive materials.