Google Earth may blur sensitive sites

Secret locations in India and US could be pixelated to protect security.

Google has stated that it may blur out sites of military or security importance from its Google Earth mapping application.

Google Earth uses satellite footage shot in the past two years to create a representation of the planet.

But after protests from the Indian government Google has entered into talks about pixelating certain sensitive sites, possibly including sections of the disputed area of Kashmir.

"Google has been talking, and will continue to talk, to the Indian government about any security concerns it may have regarding Google Earth," the company said in a statement.

"We are pleased to have initiated dialogue with the Indian government. The discussions have been substantive and constructive, but no agreements have been made. We have committed to continue the dialogue."

It would not be the first time that Google Earth has been blurred, although it is not known whether the action was taken by Google or by the satellite image provider.

Eagle-eyed users have spotted a number of such incidences in the US, mainly of nuclear facilities such as the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

British intelligence sources have reportedly complained that insurgents are using Google Earth to spy on British troops.