Troubles for Google Street View
The EU continues to be troublesome ground for Google, as it attempts to expand its Street View service throughout the world. The online service, which requires Google to take 360 degree photographs from a special camera mounted on a car, allows users to view streets from an "on the ground" perspective. Recently, the Czech Republic's privacy watchdog accused the service of invading citizens' privacy and refused Google permission (for the second time) to take fresh photos of its streets.
The Czech Republic has expressed concerns about the height of the cameras, as they could theoretically look over fences onto private property. The government also requested Google publish photographs with blurred faces.
Google has also run into trouble in other countries across Europe. In Austria, Google Street View has been banned over privacy concerts. Google also admitted to "accidentally" gathering private data being transferred over unprotected wi-fi networks in Poland, Germany, and France.