14 DAY TRIAL // The search giant is now in advanced talks with Indian authorities to block certain images from Google Earth that display certain locations from the country. It seems like New Delhi is one of the areas that will be available soon in a blur version meant to protect sensitive details against malicious use. Daily News & Analysis reports that India's authorities are concerned because Google Earth, the downloadable application provided by the search giant, provides instant access to detailed images displaying India's defense and scientific locations.
"We are in conversation with the Indian Government," Prasad Ram, Centre Head and Engineering Director, Google India R&D, said on Tuesday, adding that Google's legal team is handling the matter. We worked with governments and there haven't been situations where we are not able to come to a resolution to meet whatever security and other concerns the government may have," Ram said," the same publication reported.
This is not the first time when the authorities demand the company to remove certain images from the Google Earth product. As you might know, this tool represents a downloadable application that allows users to view satellite maps and other imagery from all around the world directly from your desktop. Some time ago, several publications reported that terrorists are using Google Earth and Google Maps to organize attacks against the UK troops located in Basra. At that time, Google replaced the photos with older ones, captured before the departure of the army in the area.
"Google's Vice-President and Chief Internet Evangelist Vinton G Cerf, who is on a visit to India, said, "Our policy is when we have an issue...arising from national authorities... we take it away. We do understand that problem," Daily News & Analysis sustained. It is quite a good decision taken from Google's officials because it represents quite a different approach for the customer-related issues.