Microsoft launches UK mapping service to rival Google Streetview

Starting in London, Microsoft has begun taking photographs of the UK for its street-level mapping service, Streetside.

Using Bing Maps, Microsoft's Streetside is set to rival Google's similar service, Street View. Digital mapping firm, Navteq is collecting imagery and location data using 360-degree cameras mounted on cars.

Microsoft has developed its own privacy policy to safeguard individual privacy and security rights.

"Street-level imagery and Bing maps were designed with security and privacy concerns in mind. Our mapping products comply with applicable laws governing the acquisition and publishing of imagery. Specifically, we use automated software and advanced algorithms to detect and blur faces and license plates to protect individual privacy," said Microsoft.

Google's street-level mapping service, Street View, faced criticism over privacy concerns, leading to investigations and lawsuits in several European countries.

A Berlin court ruling in March 2011 declared Street View legal in Germany, but a Google spokesman confirmed the company still has "no plans to launch new imagery on Street View in Germany at this stage".

The Swiss Federal Administrative Court ruled on 4 April 2011 that Google must blur its Street View images of people's faces.

Google admitted in 2010 that it mistakenly collected data sent over Wi-Fi networks using its Street View cars.