Greece blocks Google street view

13 May 2009

A data protection authority in Greece has blocked Google from taking pictures of the country for its Street View service.

The temporary block is due to privacy fears.

The Hellenic Data Protection Authority suspended Google from collecting images of Greece until the company provides additional information to prove it is legal.

The authority requires Google to submit information on how it plans to protect people's rights if they are filmed and also the length of time the pictures will be retained on Street View.

The authority investigates complaints about the protection of personal data and the privacy of individuals.

Google claims its Street View service protects people's privacy rights by blurring faces and car registration numbers.

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