Google Is Bringing Street View Indoors

Google is reportedly extending its Street View functionality to indoor public spaces. The company had already announced last May its intention to start collecting photographic material of stores and public services, and now some interiors have been reconstructed in 360 degrees.

After allowing anyone to virtually explore the world’s most famous streets without leaving their desk, Google is now expanding Street View to let shops and other services showcase their interiors, potentially boosting their business.

To have the interior of a public space photographed by Google, it is necessary to submit a special request, available at THIS LINK. If selected, Google photographers will contact the business to schedule a session for image capture. Google retains all rights to the photos. Similarly, if a business wishes to have a photo removed, a specific request must be submitted.

Google asks business owners to inform their customers that the area will be photographed at the agreed time. As always, if people are present, Google will blur their faces.

According to a Google spokesperson, the company has already worked with thousands of businesses to collect 360º interior photos. Privacy seems less of an issue compared to traditional Street View, as Google now requires consent from businesses requesting their interiors to be photographed. However, it is true that after a detailed view of a store’s interior, the potential for theft could increase, given that the layout and organization are clearly visible.