Google has launched a service which allows people in the
UK to view locations at street level.
Street View offers 360-degree
views of 25 cities from Southampton to Edinburgh.
UK citizens concerned about their privacy being invaded can
raise the issue with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).
They may even be able to get images removed by the ICO.
The ICO said the service, which was announced in September, has
already been the subject of discussion between the ICO and
Google.
A spokesperson for the ICO said, "Following publicity about vans
collecting images of streets preparatory to the future launch of
the Google Street View service in UK, the ICO had a further meeting
with Google to understand the steps they are taking to address
privacy concerns. We are satisfied that Google is putting in place
adequate safeguards to avoid any risk to the privacy or safety of
individuals, including the blurring of vehicle registration marks
and the faces of anyone included in Street View images."
Google collected the data for the pictures last year when cars
drove around UK roads collecting digital images.
"Although it is possible that in certain limited circumstances
an image may allow the identification of an individual, it is clear
that Google are keen to capture images of streets and not
individuals," said the ICO. "Further there is an easy mechanism by
which individuals can report an image that causes them concern to
Google and request that it is removed."
>> See our blog:
Uses of Google Street View