Some might get some pleasure out of hating Google for its perceived privacy infringements related to its Google Street View technology but unfortunately going underground will soon offer little respite from the search giant’s prying eyes.
From this Thursday, Google will begin capturing 360-degree images of 30 London Tube stations to be featured on the app’s interactive maps.
Major connection hubs including Green Park, King's Cross St Pancras and Waterloo will be captured by Google, though a statement from Transport for London said that blurring technology will automatically blur identifiable faces before publication.
TfL hopes that customers will be able to use Google Street View within stations in the same way they would for journeys made by walking and cycling across London, benefitting travellers with accessibility needs and visitors to the capital.
"I am delighted we are working with Google to bring Street View to the Tube,” commented Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance. “This exciting new project will give people the ability to plan their routes on the London Underground in the same way they would when walking and cycling across the city.
“Introducing Street View will support people to better navigate some of the capital's busiest stations and help us to build a better, more accessible London for all."
The images will be collected between 10am to 4pm over the coming weeks to avoid peak hours before going live on Google Street View throughout 2024.