US Internet giant Google has decided to reshoot Street View photos in Japan following complaints from people who said public images of their homes violated their privacy. The company's Japanese unit announced the decision Wednesday, saying it would take new photographs with the cameras set lower so the images accessible via net-based maps would not show photos looking into people's houses.
The company has also blurred vehicle license plates in the service. Google said on its Japanese website that the company wished to provide the new service in a way that is socially acceptable in Japan. Launched two years ago in the United States, Street View gives Google users a 360-degree view of streets.
The service in Japan is now available to show images from major cities. The move in Japan came after various municipalities and citizens groups accused the company of violating people's privacy by publishing the photos of private houses and community streets without owners' consent.
Japan is not unique in worrying about the Internet feature. Earlier this week, Greece's data protection agency barred Google from taking any more images for its Street View feature until the company explains the service and its privacy safeguards. An American court earlier this year rejected a privacy suit by a couple whose house was shown on Street View.
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