Commentary
Google Pays ₱730K After Man Caught Naked on Street View
In a case that’s both bizarre and eye-opening (literally), a man was awarded nearly ₱730,000 (about $12,500) in damages after being accidentally captured naked by a Google Street View camera while walking in his own backyard.
The man, a police officer in Argentina, was just minding his business, in the nude, in what he believed was the privacy of his home back in 2017. But Google’s ever-roaming camera cars happened to pass by and caught a full view of his bare behind.
The man sued Google, saying the incident damaged his dignity and subjected him to ridicule at work and in his neighborhood. He insisted he was inside a walled property, protected by a 6.5-foot barrier.
The court highlighted that Google has long been aware of the need to protect people’s privacy, citing the company’s practice of blurring faces and license plates on Street View. But in this case, it wasn’t a face, it was a completely exposed body, which the court said should have also been blurred or never captured at all.
“There is no doubt that there was an unjustified intrusion into another person’s life,” the judges wrote. “No one wants to appear to the world as they did the day they were born.”
Google has previously faced privacy issues with Street View. Back in 2019, it settled a $13 million case over the unauthorized collection of people’s private data through the same service.
And while Google says anyone can request to blur their face, car, house—or even body, through their “Report a problem” tool, it seems this man didn’t even get the chance before he became an unintended landmark.
Is this even possible in the Philippines?
Technically, yes. Google Street View has mapped large parts of Metro Manila, major cities like Cebu and Davao, and even remote towns. While Google uses software to blur faces and license plates, it’s still possible for a person to be accidentally captured in a compromising situation, especially in areas where homes have low fences or open front yards, a common sight in many Filipino communities.
And unlike in colder countries where people rarely hang out half-naked outside, Filipinos love open-air living. We dry clothes in the driveway, drink beer by the gutter, and yes, sometimes walk around in boxers or duster just to hang clothes, receive orders from riders or water the plants.
If it happened to someone here, would the same kind of justice apply?
What if it ended up on KMJS? What if your neighbor saw it? Would you laugh? Cry? Sue? Or repost it with a filter and your GCash QR code?
Our fences are low and rumors are high, so yes, this could happen to you.
Team Blur or Team GCash?
The sound of playful barks and happy laughter filled Barkhaus Eastwood as Jetour Auto Philippines, Inc. (JAPI) hosted its second Annual Media Pet Day on August 20, ahead of International Dog Day. The gathering brought together media friends, their pets, and the Jetour family for an afternoon celebrating companionship and responsible pet ownership.
Far from the usual motoring affair, the event highlighted JAPI’s belief that family includes furry members as well. It also gave the company a chance to strengthen ties with the media in a relaxed and personal setting.
The celebration featured fun contests, interactive sessions, and plenty of activities for both humans and pets. With its pet-friendly setup, Barkhaus Eastwood proved to be an ideal venue for socializing, bonding, and sharing stories among fellow animal lovers.
For Jetour, the day reflected its wider mission: building connections and communities that go beyond cars. Marketing Director Cherry May Moreno-De Los Santos expressed joy at seeing both familiar and new faces return for what is becoming a beloved tradition. “Much like the lifelong relationship we have with our pets, we want Jetour’s bond with our customers to be one of trust, loyalty, and joy,” she said.
To extend the celebration to the public, Jetour also held a vehicle display at Eastwood Mall, showcasing its current lineup, including the sporty Dashing series, the family-sized 7-seater X70, and the rugged T2 4×4 SUV.
The event reinforced Jetour’s message: journeys are not just about destinations, but also about the bonds and memories made along the way. True to that spirit, all Jetour dealerships across the country remain pet-friendly, welcoming families to shop for their next car without leaving their furry companions behind.
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✅ Always check the official website and channels for accurate updates and information.
Pasay City — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) expressed its full support for the use of digital tools in monitoring flood control projects with the launch of the Flood Control Project Components (FCPC) under the Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation (DIME) initiative on Thursday at the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, in his welcome remarks, said the system will play a vital role in addressing flooding, one of the biggest problems in Metro Manila. He noted that DIME makes it easier to determine if a project is working, allowing government to act faster and provide better protection for communities.
“This will ensure safety and well-being while promoting transparency,” Artes said, adding that the step is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to digitize government processes and guarantee that public funds directly benefit the people.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) leads the program, which incorporates advanced technology such as satellite imaging, drones, and geotagging to track the progress of major government infrastructure projects.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman highlighted the importance of public involvement, encouraging citizens to share their input on projects under DIME.
The launch also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with various agencies: the Department of Transportation, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Education, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, Philippine Space Agency, and the Government Data Initiative.
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, UP-NOAH Center Director Mahar Lagmay, and representatives from civil society groups joined the event to show their support.
