Google
A couple claim that Google Street View invaded their privacy

Google sued for Street View privacy invasion

Couple seeks $25,000 in damages

Written by Iain Thomson

A Pennsylvania couple are suing Google for posting pictures of their home on Google Street View.

The couple have filed a case claiming that one of Google's vehicles which photographs urban areas using a digital camera mounted on the roof took the photos by driving up a road clearly marked 'Private Property'.

"As residents living in a private road Plaintiffs had a reasonable expectation of privacy, as well as within their exclusive residence," the filing reads.

"The invasion of Plaintiffs was substantial and highly offensive to a reasonable person. Revealing this information has caused Plaintiffs mental suffering and diminished the value of their property."

Google Street View includes a function that allows homeowners to have their pictures removed.

But it appears that the couple have not used the feature and are taking a legal approach. They have asked for $25,000 in damages.

The couple's case is also weakened by the fact that photographs of their home, along with their names and a detailed description, are already on the Allegheny County real estate website.

"Isn't litigation the only way to change a big business' conduct with the public?" the couple's attorney, Dennis Moskal, told the Boston Globe. "What happened to their accountability?"

Advertisement

Enjoyed this article? Help spread the word:

Comments

White papers

Related jobs

Spotlight

Richard Mayfield, Waitrose FD

Profile: Richard Mayfield, Waitrose FD

Waitrose FD Richard Mayfield tells our reporter about the pros...

Credit crunch special: guiding business through the storm

The downturn is hurting and recession looms. Will accountants be...

Beat the credit crunch with Young Professional

Latest issue features a guide to advancement during economic uncertainty,...

Find your next job

Find your next job

Advertisement

Salary Checker

Newsletters

Sign up here for the very latest news delivered to your inbox. Choose from the following options:

Search white papers

Search white papers

Advertisement

Have your say

Would rumoured Treasury moves to abolish stamp duty do anything to help the housing market?
Yes, scrapping stamp duty has been a long time coming
No, any move is far too little, too late

Job of the week

More finance jobs...

Advertisement

Your next job