French man caught peeing in yard by Google Maps Street View, sues Google for $10,000

FRANCE -- A Frenchman who took a bathroom break in his front yard is suing Google for $10,000 after a picture of him urinating was used on Google’s Street View application, Reuters reports.

Street View, a Google Maps feature, uses images taken from satellites to create street level 360 degree maps.

The unnamed man thought he was shielded in privacy by the gate around his home when he relieved himself in November 2010, but Google’s camera caught him in the act as it passed over his home.

He took Google to court Thursday and wants $10,000 in damages because he’s become a laughing stock.

He said that while his face was blurred in the photo, his rural village in northwestern France recognized him.

The verdict will be given on March 15.