Google’s new mapping service, Street View – launched on Friday – is already causing embarrassment and has had to remove some images from its files. The system allows users 360 degree views on streets – and the houses in them – in 25 cities. Users type in an address in one of these cities and the Google cameras home in on the area.

Google had agreed to protect privacy by blurring faces and car registration plates in any senstive images. However, on release, complaints were received that led to Google removing embarrassing images such as that of one man emerging from a London sex shop and another throwing up outside a pub.

The rich, famous and protected have their privacy secured at source, hoever. The house of Google’s owner does not appear and Tony Blair’s London house in Connaught Square, which was on the map at the launch, has since been removed.