That appears to be the question some policy makers are asking themselves in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks last week:

The militants in the Mumbai attacks on Nov. 26 testified that they prepared for the attacks using the Google Earth service, leading to heated debate over whether the service threatens security in conflict-ridden areas.

Indian police said one of the militants captured at the scene of attacks confessed the group checked the exact locations of the target hotel and the restaurant on Google Earth. Along with some countries with disputed regions in the Middle East and the Southeast Asia, India is against Google Earth due to its potential to threaten national security.

The high-definition satellite maps are detailed enough to show cars in the streets. Suspects in the alleged plot to bomb John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York in June last year also supposedly resorted to Google Earth in an attempt to study the interior of the airport. In February last year, there were some reports from the U.K. that a group of terrorists targeting the British army base in Iraq was using satellite pictures from Google Earth.

Ever since the Google launched the service in 2005, India has asked it to offer lower-definition maps in highly sensitive areas such as the presidential palace, military facilities and disputed areas along the borders. It would be difficult, however, to fault Google for the Mumbai attacks as the locations of restaurants and hotels in the heart of a city appear in just about any tourist maps and guidebook.

Google said although it could be used by the terrorists, the detailed maps have been used more frequently to serve good causes such as rescue and relief. [Chosun Ilbo]

I seriously doubt any serious action will or can even be taken against Google to alter their Google Earth program.  Personally though if Google Earth was banned I don’t think my Korea Finder would quite be the same.