Google ordered to compensate a man after he was inadvertently captured naked by Google Street View camera, reveals report.
In a landmark ruling, the Argentine appeals court has ordered Google to pay approximately $12,500 to a man who was photographed naked by Google Street View in 2017. The man sued Google Argentina, claiming the exposure caused him humiliation among neighbours and colleagues.
The incident occurred in Bragado, a town west of Buenos Aires. The man's 'entire naked body' was visible in the image, and the judges said it should have been flagged due to its sensitive nature. His house number and street name were also visible in the image, adding to the invasion of his privacy.
Google's Street View policy states the company uses 'cutting-edge face and license plate blurring technology' and allows users to request additional removals. However, in this case, the image remained online for an undisclosed period before being removed.
The court's ruling was based on the fact that the image was taken within the confines of the man's home, behind a fence taller than the average-sized person. Argentina's constitution and privacy laws offer strong protections for personal dignity, even when individuals are partially visible from public spaces.
The court found that Google had committed 'a serious error' by publishing the image and stated that the invasion of privacy in this case was 'blatant.' It's unclear when Google took the photo down or whether it was removed before the man filed his lawsuit.
Google has not responded to FOX Business' request for comment. The ruling could open the door for similar privacy claims, particularly in Latin America, where protections are often stricter than in the U.S.
Redacted versions of the image were later published by The Daily Mail. The judges awarded the plaintiff about £9,300, or the equivalent of $12,500 USD. There's no indication Google has filed an appeal.
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