Minister of State for Home Affairs, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir announced that India had rejected the proposal by Google to launch the ‘Street View’ feature in India. Ahir said in the Lok Sabha that Google had proposed the Street View for the government’s permission in July, 2015.
Google Street View allows its users to explore the world in a 360-degree panoramic street imagery of public areas as well. The advantage is people can familiarise themselves with the area before they go there. Ahir though said that the government has not agreed to the statement. Ahir was responding to a question from Balasubramaniam Senguttuvan a member from Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
Google had launched Street View in 2011 in Bengaluru. Local authorities put a stop to activities citing security reasons. In 2015 they began again tying up with the ASI to survey historic sites. Google was hoping to scan the hills, rivers, and cities for a 3D view.
Currently, Google Street View is in function in 82 countries. The countries have benefitted too from its use. US has even fitted bikes and cars with the feature. It’s being used in Canada and many European countries as well. Google Street View had also released the views of certain sites like the Taj Mahal, Qutb Minar, and many others during its tie-up with the ASI.
The reasons behind India’s rejection of Google Street View though seem uncertain and are largely unknown. Whether Google will still push for permissions is also unclear. In a country like India with a very diverse terrain and complicated city maps, Street View could definitely come in handy so that one doesn’t lose their way. It can also help tourists who can come to the country with some surety. If the government has rejected the service, then there needs to be a strong case against the Google Street View app, and its shortcomings.