Google has for years fought claims its mapping and photography services infringed on personal privacy. Now the Internet giant is facing concerns from Israel that the technology could be used for terrorism. Israel announced Monday it is considering ways for Google Street View to photograph Israeli cities, despite concerns the popular service could be used by terrorists to plot attacks against sensitive locations or political figures. A team of Israeli Cabinet ministers led by Intelligence Minister Dan Meridor instructed experts Monday to work with Google Inc. to find a safe way to implement the feature “as soon as possible,” according to an official statement. The team is weighing benefits, such as increased visibility for tourist sites, with public safety and personal privacy. Street View allows users to virtually tour locations on a map. It is already available in 27 countries. Google uses special vehicles with panoramic cameras to take ground-level, 3-D images. The feature has raised security concerns in many countries, including the U.S.
Murdoch to buy daughter’s TV firm
Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. has reached a deal to buy Shine Group, a television production company founded by the business magnate’s daughter Elisabeth, for $673.3 million. The company said Monday it signed a non-binding letter of intent and now will proceed with the necessary regulatory filings to acquire Shine. In a joint statement, Rupert Murdoch said he expects his daughter to join News Corp.’s board once the deal is complete and Elisabeth Murdoch said the alliance will help prepare Shine for future growth.
Blockbuster seeks more buyout bids
Movie rental chain Blockbuster Inc. says a group of investors is offering $290 million to buy it out of bankruptcy protection. The group includes funds that are creditors in Blockbuster. It’s a so-called “stalking horse” bid, which Blockbuster hopes will attract other bidders who will offer more. Blockbuster used to be the dominant U.S. movie rental chain. But it lost money for years as customers shifted to Netflix Inc., video on demand and DVD rental kiosks. It filed for bankruptcy protection in September.
Oil prices leap $4 amid Libya violence
Oil prices jumped by over $4 a barrel on Monday amid investor concerns that violent protests spreading in Libya could disrupt crude supplies from the OPEC nation and affect other oil-rich countries in the region. By late afternoon in Europe, benchmark crude for March delivery was up $4.03 to $90.23 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 16 cents to settle at $86.20 on Friday. U.S. markets, including Nymex floor trading, were closed Monday for the Presidents Day holiday and the thin trading volumes had the potential to amplify price fluctuations.
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