On July 30, 2024, the Supervisory Authority of Liechtenstein (DSS) published an article regarding Google LLC's plans to collect and publish images of streets and buildings in Liechtenstein on its service Google Street View. More specifically, the DSS explained that in August and September 2024, Google intends to collect images in Liechtenstein using a marked vehicle equipped with cameras, sensors, and servers. 

Legal basis for processing

The DSS highlighted that for the recording and publication of images that do not focus on natural persons, Google relies on its legitimate economic interest under Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Further, the DSS explained that the processing of the images is allowed under data protection law since Google pixelates all faces and license plates of randomly recorded passers-by and vehicles in the images and only records areas of properties that are visible from the street.

Right to object

According to the DSS, data subjects can object to the processing of their personal data, at any time under Article 21 of the GDPR and request that their face, body, license plate, vehicle, or house facade be pixelated in the Street View pictures. In this context, the DSS clarified that individuals can object by submitting a request through the 'report a problem' feature on Street View. Further, the DSS noted that individuals can lodge complaints with the DSS itself if they do not agree with Google's processing of their personal data. However, the DSS explained that the Ireland Data Protection Commission (DPC) is responsible for Google in the EU and as such, the DSS would forward complaints to the DPC as part of the EU cooperation mechanism.

You can read the press release, only available in German, here.