Google has refused to give a guarantee that people's privacy will be respected when it's Street View product comes to Australia.
The service has seen Google take street-level photo shots across nearly 50 US cities for use in it's Google Maps and technology.
The pictures are taken in cities, suburbs and now often at private residences.
The Californian company is now also being sued by a couple for an invasion of privacy which saw their house and property included within the street view.
However the company has told Fairfax Media that it will not give a guarantee to Australians over privacy, saying instead if they find an issue, an image can be flagged for review.
"If the road isn't very clearly marked as a private road, or if the driver misses a sign, there will be occasional places where we make a mistake," A Google spokesman said.
The controversial Street View project has seen numerous Google vans scour parts of the United States to capture photo images at a street level - rather than it's previous satellite service.
There is no guarantee on the privacy of individuals within the photos - with many already compromised through less than flattering images.
Google Australia said today that they were working to ensure privacy within the new product when it comes online in Australia.
"We absolutely prohibit our drivers from driving down private roads. The photos in Street View are only what anyone walking down a public street can see," spokesman Rob Shilkin said.
"We will not launch this product in Australia until we are sure it complies with Australian laws... we are consulting actively with local privacy and community groups to ensure we respect Australians' privacy."
Source - By scopical.com.au
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