Google authorities hold discussions with BJP leaders

Bangalore, July 18: Representatives of Google today held discussions with ruling BJP leaders in an attempt to dispel misgivings over the internet search engine major''s Google Street View project, which has come under fire.

Google''s Legal Head Geetanjali and Venkatesh Harihar,Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs told the BJP team the firm has been engaged in similar projects across 27 countries.

State unit BJP Media in-charge, S Prakash speaking to reporters later said the team told Google''s officials they should seek government permission in view of security issues involved in the programme, particularly in the backdrop of recent Mumbai blasts.

Prakash urged the Centre to frame security guidelines and other rules before permitting Google to ahead with the project

Google had chosen Bangalore for its street view programme but was forced to halt it after BJP lodged a complaint with the police last month.

Under the project, Google will upload details of all households and streets on its web site for public view, which the BJP has been opposing on grounds of security.

PTI