Google launches Street View for the UK

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.

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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