Google's plans to launch a mapping tool in the UK could be referred to the Information Commissioner. Street View matches photos of locations to maps, including passers-by who were captured as the photograph was taken. Privacy International, a UK rights group, believes the technology breaks data protection laws. Street View has already been launched in the US and includes photos of streets in major American cities. Photographing of areas in the UK, including London, is believed to have started this week.
Some individuals in the US have complained about their images being used and Google has said it removed their presence on request. The company has said it had begun to trial face blurring technology, using an algorithm that detects human faces in photographs. In the US it is legal to take photos of people on public streets. However, because Street View is being used for commercial ends anyone in the UK who appears in the photo needs to grant his or her consent. On the other hand, Google said that it complies with all local laws.
More information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7488524.stm
More information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7488524.stm