Google wins Street View privacy case

by Tristan O'Carroll, mediaweek.co.uk 19-Feb-09, 15:10

LONDON - An American couple who tried to sue Google over claims that its Street View technology invaded their privacy have lost their case in a US court.

Aaron and Christine Boring accused Google of privacy violation, for showing their home in its Street View feature, which adds 360-degree street-level photographs to Google Maps. They were seeking $25,000 (£17,700) in damages.

According to reports, the couple accused Google of causing them "mental suffering" and decreased the value of their home following publication of the photos.

US magistrate judge Amy Reynolds Hay rejected the claim, saying that: "While it is easy to imagine that many whose property appears on Google's virtual maps resent the privacy implications, it is hard to believe that any - other than the most exquisitely sensitive - would suffer shame or humiliation."

Google said: "We are pleased the judge agreed the suit was without merit. We blur identifiable faces and licence plates in Street View and we offer easy-to-use removal tools so users can decided for themselves whether or not they want a given image to appear.

"It is unfortunate the parties involved decided to pursue litigation instead of making use of these tools."