EU has Google in its focus

The European Union has clearly requested a photo finish for Google’s uncensored street views obtained by van-mounted cameras shooting 360 degrees for Google Earth maps service. Complaints have ranged in recent days from the actual invasive nature of the cameras taking street views to the length of time images are held by the company without altering them.

A letter from EU regulators requested a change for two compelling reasons: Google Map information is believed to have been used by burglars in order to case locations for intended victimization and the year long period that the undistorted photos are available is “disproportionate” according to the officials. The letter also requested that greater compliance with privacy laws be considered as well as instituting proper notification of the public affected by those photos when it captures street views.
This concern was not just within Europe. Several other countries have made similar complaints including Japan, Switzerland and at least one state in the US; Pennsylvania. Undistorted personal information snatched in a photograph, whether facial features or license plate numbers, raises alarm from citizens whose lives may be affected by the vulnerability such exposure creates especially when they are photographed without their consent or knowledge.