Important reason why you should blur your house on Google Maps
Google Maps allows users to blur their homes on Street View, a privacy feature often used by celebrities but available to everyone. The process is simple: find your property on Maps, click “Report a problem,” select “Request blurring,” and highlight the area you want obscured. Google will then permanently pixelate the selected images.
While Google automatically blurs faces and license plates, homeowners can request additional privacy measures. The company states this helps protect individuals’ anonymity in publicly available imagery. Some users choose this option to prevent potential burglars from studying their property layout.
Law enforcement officials have mixed views on the practice. Riverside Police officer Ryan Railsback supports blurring, noting criminals often use online tools to case homes. However, security expert Christopher Herrmann warns it might draw unwanted attention if only one house on a street is obscured.
Reddit users have shared their reasons for blurring properties. One cited multiple farm break-ins, while another stated: “If thieves can scout houses online, I don’t want to participate in that.” The feature proves particularly useful when Google’s camera captures residents in compromising situations.
Google’s blurring technology uses advanced algorithms to maintain privacy while keeping most locations visible. The company emphasizes this balance between public mapping and individual security concerns. Requests typically process quickly after email verification.
The debate continues about whether blurred homes deter or attract criminals. Some security professionals suggest alternative measures like visible alarms or neighborhood watches instead of relying solely on digital obscurity.
For those prioritizing privacy, the option remains easily accessible. As one Redditor noted, in an era of digital vulnerability, “not everyone needs to see your business” – literally. The feature demonstrates how technology adapts to growing concerns about online exposure and real-world security risks.
