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Czechs ban Google from expanding 'Street View'

(AP) -- Authorities in the Czech Republic have banned Google Inc. from continuing in its mapping feature "Street View" in the eastern European country.

The Czech Office for Personal Data Protection says Google has not been granted a necessary registration for the activity. Spokeswoman Hana Stepankova declined to give details Tuesday. The office plans to speak about the case next week.

The office has been investigating Google for failing to meet necessary requirements needed to collect data used for "Street View" since April.

The U.S. Internet giant has come under fire from authorities across Europe, including Germany, over concerns that it violated people's privacy while taking shots of city streets.

Google acknowledged the privacy breach in an apology in the spring.