German court rules Google Earth aerial photos of homes violate privacy

A Hesse state court sided with a Frankfurt homeowner who sued Google over aerial images of his property published on Google Earth and Google Maps. The court found Google captures and publishes such photos without owners' consent, violating privacy, and said the right extends across the entire property, not just the home. Google may appeal.

• Hesse court ruled publishing aerial photos without consent violates privacy
• Privacy right covers the whole property, including areas hidden from public view
• Court rejected Google's freedom-of-information argument
• Plaintiff had earlier sought removal from Street View and Apple Look Around