19 March 2010 | Author: D. Warburton Search Copywriter

Google Street View under fire from SAS

With Google extending its Street View service to cover more than 95 per cent of the UK's road network, the company has once again received criticism for invading people's privacy. One of the most outspoken opponents is the SAS, after Google's cameras revealed their Herefordshire headquarters in more detail than was previously available.

The Daily Mail reports that military chiefs and MPs have demanded Google take down its images of the Credenhill base, which include the option to view a detailed 180 degree virtual panorama of the perimeter boundary, as they believe it could make the base a target for terrorist attacks.

The SAS headquarters has never previously been featured on maps for security reasons, but Google Street View even lists the facility as 'British SAS.' The detailed images of the headquarters, which were taken some time over the last six months, include a military ambulance and police car in addition to three guards. Satellite images on Google Earth also show the layout of the buildings clearly from above.

Paul Keetch, Liberal Democrat MP for Hereford, said the footage was "not acceptable during a time of perceived terrorism," adding: "There needs to be a certain degree of restraint shown by people like Google."

Although the MoD names the location of the nearest village to the base on its website, its precise location has never been officially revealed. Mr Keetch explained: "We all know where the Palace of Westminster is, we all know where the SAS camp is, but the issue is if you're going into such detail in such a way that you can undermine the security of that building, that could be a problem."

Google has stood by its decision to keep the images online, reaffirming its belief that Google Street View respects international privacy laws. Spokeswoman for the company, Laura Scott, said: "One in five people already use Google Street View for house hunting and the scheme has previously launched in 20 countries without any breach of security issues.

"Google only takes images from public roads and this is no different to what anyone could see travelling down the road themselves, therefore there is no appreciable security risk.

"We're happy to discuss any concerns as they arise."

The latest batch of Google Street View images has dredged up the old debate over privacy concerns, but on a lighter note it has also thrown up the customary round-up of amusing images taken of people, objects and animals caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. These include a seagull caught in extreme-close-up stealing a chip in Brighton and a mysterious pair of giant pliers floating above homes in West Bromwich.

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