Google lobbies with BJP leaders to get its Street View rolling again

In the wake of its ambitious Street View project running into problems with the state government, representatives of Google are lobbying to remove hurdles in the way of this ambitious project.

On Monday, the Google representatives held discussions with ruling BJP leaders in an attempt to dispel misgivings.Google’s legal head, Geetanjali, and Venkatesh Harihar, head of public policy and government affairs, told the BJP team that the firm has been engaged in similar projects across 27 countries.

State unit BJP media in-charge S Prakash told mediapersons later that the BJP leaders told Google officials that they should seek the government’s permission in view of security issues involved, particularly in the backdrop of recent Mumbai blasts. 

Prakash urged the Centre to frame the necessary security guidelines and other rules before permitting Google to ahead with the project in India.

Google had chosen Bangalore to launch its street view programme in India, but was forced to halt it soon after the BJP lodged a complaint with  the police last month. 

Under the project, Google will make available 360 degree street-level imagery, for public view. The BJP has been opposing the project, saying that such a view of the city’s streets could endanger security and aid those who plan terrorist strikes.

What is Google’s  Street View
Google’s Street View project aims at allowing anyone having access to the search machine the option of viewing places around the world with 360 degree street-level imagery.

Street View is useful for urban development planners, house hunters and travellers. Users could also check parking slots before arriving at a place and arrange meeting points.

Businesses can also benefit from the Street View technology by embedding Google Maps directly into their websites.With inputs from  PTI