India blocks Google's plans for Street View in the country amid security concerns

Google's plans to gather Street View data in India have hit a brick wall after the country rejected the company's proposals.

Indian security agencies expressed concerns about plans to send Google Street View cars around the country, taking 360-degree photos along roadways. This is certainly not the first time Google Street View has faced problems, with numerous cases relating to privacy resulting in changes being made to the service.

India's interior minister said that Google's proposed photographic journey was being rejected because of concerns that it could compromise the country's security. It is thought that terrorist attacks in the country may have been planned with the help of similar services.

The Hindu newspaper quotes a senior government minister as saying:

The main concern was security of sensitive defense installations. The defense ministry said it was not possible to monitor the service once it was launched and it would be detrimental to national security.

While Google has previously been able to work with governments to get around concerns, it's not clear whether the Indian government is willing to negotiate. The company is yet to comment on the block.

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