Google Street View: data protectionists demand more rights for those filmed
Anyone who is recognizable in a Google Street View image taken on the street should be able to prevent the images from being published online. This is the demand made by Privatim, the Association of Swiss Data Protection Commissioners.
Anyone who is recognizably photographed on the street for Google Street View should be able to prevent the images from being published on the internet. This is the demand of Privatim, the association of Swiss data protection officers. According to a press release issued by Privatim on Friday, Google must take into account the principles of data protection and individual rights when taking pictures for Google Street View. In contrast to other European countries, this is not yet the case in Switzerland.
Google Switzerland confirmed on Friday that images of streets are currently being taken in major Swiss cities. However, no image has yet been placed on Google Map, as spokesman Matthias Meyer told the SDA news agency. However, the protection of privacy is always a concern for Google. In Street View, a mechanism therefore ensures that faces and license plates of cars are blurred. However, the technology does not always work. Anyone who recognizes their face, house or car on Street View can therefore send Google a message via a link under the image. The images will then either be made unrecognizable or removed from the network.
Google was surprised by Privatim's accusations. The company now wants to hold further talks with the data protection commissioners. The Federal Data Protection Commissioner Hans-Peter Thür has signaled to Google that the recording mechanism is sufficient to respect Swiss law.
Google Switzerland confirmed on Friday that images of streets are currently being taken in major Swiss cities. However, no image has yet been placed on Google Map, as spokesman Matthias Meyer told the SDA news agency. However, the protection of privacy is always a concern for Google. In Street View, a mechanism therefore ensures that faces and license plates of cars are blurred. However, the technology does not always work. Anyone who recognizes their face, house or car on Street View can therefore send Google a message via a link under the image. The images will then either be made unrecognizable or removed from the network.
Google was surprised by Privatim's accusations. The company now wants to hold further talks with the data protection commissioners. The Federal Data Protection Commissioner Hans-Peter Thür has signaled to Google that the recording mechanism is sufficient to respect Swiss law.
