security alert; safety issues. Check this out.

Hi All,

Here is a note I got today. It's news to me, although I've been informed that the feature has been around a while. It's potentially a significant safety issue for children.

Google has implemented a feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar, hit enter, and you will be given the person's name and address. If you then hit MapQuest, you will get a map to the person's house. People should be aware of this. It's a nationwide reverse telephone book.

If a child gives out his/her phone number, someone can look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious.

Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked. I tried my number and it came up along with the mapquest and directions straight to our house. I filled out the removal form for myself; you may wish to do the same.

Please look up your own number.

In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: google (http://www.google.com/) Type your phone number in the search bar (i.e. 555-555-1212) and hit enter. If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and then click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48-hours. (Google provides you a list of other "reverse phone book" sites as well.)

Although this may not apply to you if you have an unlisted number or cell phone as primary contact, you may know someone who would benefit from knowing this.