The governments' Information Commissioner's Office (the ICO) has concluded that Google Street View does not pose a threat to the privacy of citizens here in the UK. The office was quoted as saying ''Banning the services would be disproportionate to the relatively small risk of privacy detriment''.
The service, which has been available across US cities for some time has recently been rolled out in the UK with a number of complaints and concerns to both privacy and security voiced. Google uses sophisticated facial and number plate blurring tools that help to maintain privacy standards. When first introduced to the UK, Google had to act fast at the request of individuals who felt their privacy was being invaded. Google states that if anyone wants an image removed then they are happy to do so.
Some embarrassing photos leaked to the media are that of an individual (obviously recognisable to a few) leaving a sex shop and someone being sick amongst others, however, Google insists that the benefit the service offers certainly outweighs these minor breaches, like the ICO. I think in a world of social media with the likes of Facebook and Twitter where personal data is readily available this sort of fairly tame and yet groundbreaking software must be seen as forward thinking and of benefit to our evolving digital society.
Rather like Google maps, firms may be able to provide further information about their business to consumers through the service. Google could charge for firms to have website links embedded into their shop window images, the opportunities seem endless.
Having recently found out that I can access Google Street View on my mobile I was surprised by the speed of each photo upload and how if Google Maps doesn't get you to your location, switching to Street view can give you a much better visualisation of where you are and where you are going.
Useful service, Google seem willing to act on users' privacy concerns so it looks like Street View is here to stay.
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