Google has
stated that it may blur out sites of military or security
importance from its Google Earth mapping
application.
Google Earth uses satellite footage shot in the past two years to
create a representation of the planet.
But after protests from the Indian government Google has entered
into talks about pixelating certain sensitive sites, possibly
including sections of the disputed area of Kashmir.
"Google has been talking, and will continue to talk, to the Indian
government about any security concerns it may have regarding Google
Earth," the company said in a statement.
"We are pleased to have initiated dialogue with the Indian
government. The discussions have been substantive and constructive,
but no agreements have been made. We have committed to continue the
dialogue."
It would not be the first time that Google Earth has been blurred,
although it is not known whether the action was taken by Google or
by the satellite image provider.
Eagle-eyed users have spotted a number of such incidences in the
US, mainly of nuclear facilities such as the University of
Massachusetts Lowell and the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in
Plymouth, Massachusetts.
British intelligence sources have reportedly complained that
insurgents are using Google Earth to spy on British troops.
Google Earth uses satellite footage shot
in the past two years