EarthNow

A Bellevue, Washington startup called EarthNow announced plans to deliver real-time satellite video of almost anywhere on the planet.

This is a serious effort. Its investors include Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Japan’s Softbank Group, and European aircraft maker Airbus. Raising capital probably won’t be a problem. And they all will likely give interviews on the sanctity of personal privacy.
The company’s website lists some possible applications, all seemingly very useful:

• Catch illegal fishing ships in the act

• Watch hurricanes and typhoons as they evolve

• Detect forest fires the moment they start

• Watch volcanoes the instant they start to erupt

• Assist the media in telling stories from around the world

• Track large whales as they migrate

• Help “smart cities” become more efficient

• Assess the health of crops on demand

• Observe conflict zones and respond immediately when crises arise

• Instantly create “living” 3D models of a town or city, even in remote locations

• See your home as the astronauts see it—a "stunning blue marble in space"

Which all means: You can run, but you can't hide.