Google banned from footage of US bases
US defence bases are now strictly off-limits for Google digital mapping equipment, after a new ruling was made.
The Pentagon has banned the search engine from filming satellite images inside US military bases, claiming that national security could be put at risk by the company’s Street View application.
Street View, it was claimed, provided clear 360 degree, street-level images of control points, barriers, headquarters, security facilities, building entries and other information that could prove useful to enemies of the US.
Air Force General Gene Renuart said: "Google was very appreciative of us letting them know that we had a concern. They understand the security implications, and they have given us no indication that they would not be helpful to us if we asked."
Google spokesman Larry Yu added: "It is against our policy to request access to military bases for the purpose of capturing imagery in Street View."
The search specialist has claimed that footage recently provided of Fort Sam Houston in Texas was a mistake and was removed from its site within 24 hours.
