Google has recently launched its Street View service in Ireland. Street View allows an individual to locate and view, in impressive photographic detail, cities, towns, roads and neighbourhoods (including private houses).
Prior to the launch, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner worked closely with Google to identify and resolve potential privacy concerns. The Street View technology automatically blurs out faces and licence plate numbers of cars. In the event that the blurring is inadequate or an individual wishes for the image to be removed in its entirety, the “report a problem” button can be used to contact the Google team. Any individual who has difficulty in progressing a query with Google can raise the matter directly with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.
The technology has already raised legal issues. In May 2010, Street View cars inadvertently collected WiFi payload data in numerous countries (including Ireland) following which the mapping project was immediately halted and discussions were entered into with local regulators. The offending software was removed before the mapping service resumed. It is also reported that the Working Party comprised of EU Data Protection Commissioners wrote to Google requesting that the retention period of unblurred images be reduced from one year to six months. The retention period is reportedly justified by Google to ensure the quality and accuracy of maps and to improve the ability to rectify mistakes in blurring.
Street View certainly has positive aspects, such as the potential to increase tourism, to view a potential home or to locate an unknown restaurant. Undoubtedly, enterprising individuals will find innovative ways to use the technology in time.
