Information Society Watch

April 20, 2007, Ogle Earth

The author reports on the curious case of the unavailability of Google Earth service in Sudan, apparently due to export control enforced by the United States. This episode brings to focus how such sanctions are actually detracting from helping Sudan in its time of crisis. As per current laws, only materials which directly relate to the alleviation of poverty and want, such as food, clothing etc can be given to Sudan, which of course excludes Google Earth. The irony is that such an application would be of great use to aid workers and activists there to view and track the sufferings of the people, so as to help them more effectively. Thus enforcement of such bans seems to defeat the very purpose for which they were imposed and should be lifted in order to aid the people in countries such as Sudan.

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