I was wondering about this part-
[You can read the license plate on your car in your driveway as internet users view where you live. If you walk out the door, you can be seen.]

Is this part of the story talking about the Google Maps and Google Earth?
In the satellite view? Those use overhead photos probably updated only once or twice a year - they aren't live streaming pictures. Just a one time snapshot.
here's a link to the Oregon Zoo- you can't read any lic plates and the people just look like a dot. this is the closest it magnifies.
http://maps.google.com/maps?tab=wl