Google Maps’ Street View has caught plenty of strange sights over the years. From a group dressed as the eerie Billy the Puppet characters from Saw wandering the streets of St. Petersburg, to mysterious structures like a triangular tower near Area 51 — it’s seen it all.
Although Google already blurs out things like faces, car plates, and nudity by default, you can also personally request that your home be blurred on the map too.
But you don’t have to be rich or famous to do the same. Anyone can ask Google to blur their home, and the process is surprisingly quick and straightforward.
How do you blur your home on Google Maps?
To start, just open the Google Maps app and type in your home address.
After that, the app will ask you to explain why you’re reporting the image.
You’ll be able to choose the option that says ‘request blurring’ and then select ‘my home’ from the list.
To make sure your entire property is covered, drag the selection box to include your whole house along with any garages, sheds, or garden areas.
Explaining why some people decide to hide their property from view, Google has said: “Google takes a number of steps to protect the privacy of individuals when Street View imagery is published to Google Maps.”
“If you see that your face or licence plate requires additional blurring, or if you would like us to blur your entire house, car or body, submit a request using the ‘Report a problem’ tool.”
Should you blur your house on Google Maps?
Ryan Railsback, a police officer with the Riverside Police Department in Southern California, pointed out that blurring your home on Google Maps might help prevent thieves from getting a good look at your property. They won’t be able to scope out any valuables or security systems you may have in place.
He explained to ABC News: “The crooks are looking for new and innovative ways to victimize people. It’s good for the public to be aware of that and counter what the criminals are already doing.”
On the other hand, Christopher Herrmann, who teaches law and police science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, offered a different perspective.
He cautioned that blurring your house might actually draw unwanted attention. If yours is the only blurred home on the street, it could make criminals curious about what you’re trying to hide.
Some users are just now finding out that it’s possible to remove your home from Street View, and they’ve been talking about it on Reddit.
“Not everybody likes to see you doing nice in life we live in a world of people wanting 5 finger discounts,” one person shared. “If thieves have a option to look at a house without even being there I 100% don’t want to be a part of that.”
So, if you ever notice the Google Maps car rolling down your street while you’re outside in your pajamas, now you know you have the option to blur yourself—and your home—right away.