Your Home’s Privacy: A Growing Concern
Did you know your home might be just a few clicks away from anyone with an internet connection? With Google Maps and its impressive Street View feature, users can virtually stroll past your house, thanks to imagery gathered by their camera cars. While this tool is fantastic for planning trips and exploring neighborhoods, it brings forth legitimate privacy concerns.
Strangers can use this access for less-than-friendly intentions. This is why some celebrities choose to blur their homes on Google Maps; it’s a smart move to prevent unwanted attention from stalkers or thieves. The good news? You can take similar steps to shield your home from prying eyes.
How to Blur Your Home on Google Maps
To start, it’s important to note that you’ll need to use a computer for this process, as the blurring feature isn’t available in the Google Maps app on iOS or Android. While it’s technically accessible via your mobile browser, navigating it can be cumbersome. Hence, using a reliable web browser on your Mac or PC is your best bet.
First, head over to maps.google.com, and enter your home address in the search bar. Hit return, and select the photo of your home that appears. You’ll be taken to the Street View for your location.
At the bottom-right corner, click on Report a Problem. The text may be small, but it’s there! Adjust the view so that your home fits snugly within the red and black box. You can use your cursor to move around and zoom in or out with the plus and minus buttons.
Once you’ve framed the view just right, choose what you’d like Google to blur. Your options include:
A face
Your home
Car/license plate
A different object
Google will ask for more specifics about what you want blurred, especially if the image features multiple cars or people. Ensure that what you’ve selected is exactly what you intend to obscure. Google warns that once something is blurred, it remains that way permanently.
To complete your request, type in your email address (this is a requirement), verify any captcha if prompted, and click Submit. You’ll receive an email confirming that Google will review your report and will update you on the approval or denial of your request. Keep in mind, Google doesn’t specify how long this process may take, so check your inbox for any follow-up emails.