Google to Introduce "Street View" in Germany

Google Inc. (GOOG) said it will introduce its “Street View” service of integrated maps and photographs in 20 German cities by the end of this year, drawing criticism from government officials here skeptical of the Internet company’s regard for personal privacy.
Ilse Aigner, Germany’s consumer protection minister, said Tuesday she is concerned Google won’t give people enough time to request that street-level pictures of their homes be removed before Street View goes online.

“It’s critical for me that as promised all the dissents that are filed are acted upon,” Ms. Aigner said in a statement. Consumer protection groups were broadly skeptical of Google’s plans as well.

In the 20 cities, which include Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt, users have until approximately Sept. 15 to request that the image of their home blurred, and therefore unrecognizable, Lena Wagner, a Google spokeswoman said.

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