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Report: Google Street View does not breach privacy
Friday 24th April 2009, by Daniel King
Google's Street View map tool is unlikely to breach the Data Protection Act and removing it entirely would be unnecessary, it has been claimed.
The Information Commissioner's Office published a report it created in response to complaint received by Privacy International and said while it will monitor how the search engine company responds to people's complaints, a "common sense" perspective should prevail.
Although some consumers have expressed unease that they appear on Street View, this is no different to television street reporting or faces appearing in the crowds on Match of the Day, the ICO explained.
This is without consent, but still legal.
"It is not in the public interest to turn the digital clock back," added senior data protection practice manager David Evans.
"In a world where many people tweet, Facebook and blog it is important to take a common sense approach towards Street View and the relatively limited privacy intrusion it may cause."
The ICO said it had confirmed its opinion with Privacy International and added an action to remove Street View would not be in proportion to the risk of privacy detriment.
Those with faster broadband connections may find the tool works more efficiently than those with slower speeds. Users can tell if an area is available to see via photograph, as the map icon turns orange.
Meanwhile, the official Google blog has included some commentary on the company's recent developments, including improved search functions and tool bar additions.
Categories: Broadband, Internet Security
