WASHINGTON – Due to security problems, the Pentagon banned Google teams from making clear and comprehensive street-level video maps of U.S. military bases after the images of a Texas base was put on the Google Maps website.

Google said taking such kind of images is against its policy and this incident was a mistake.

A message which was sent to the officials of all Defense Department bases and installations around the country ordered not to allow the Google teams to take street-level images inside the facilities.

“We have got information that Google Maps was collecting 360 degree street-level images, including detailed imagery, of the military base in Texas,” said Gary Ross, the spokesman for the US Northern Command, in a press meet.

Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart, chief of the U.S. Northern Command, said he was concerned that allowing the 360-degree, street-level view could provide clear and comprehensive images and thus potential anti social elements may get sensitive information and it may endanger the base personnel.

(more…)