Can you ask Google to blur your house?

Taking Control of Your Privacy: How to Blur Your House on Google Street View

Google Street View is a powerful tool. It allows us to virtually explore locations around the world, plan routes, and even reminisce about places we’ve visited. However, the presence of detailed images of our homes publicly available online can understandably raise privacy concerns for some. Fortunately, Google offers a readily accessible solution: the ability to request blurring of your house on Street View.

While it might seem daunting, the process is surprisingly straightforward and requires no technical expertise. You don’t need to hire a lawyer or jump through hoops; Google has designed the system to be user-friendly and respectful of privacy requests. Here’s how you can take control and potentially obscure your home from public view:

1. Locate Your Property on Google Maps:

The first step is to simply find your home on Google Maps. Enter your address into the search bar, and the map will zoom in on your location. This is the foundation for accessing the Street View image.

2. Access Street View:

Once your house is located on the map, you need to enter Street View. Typically, you can do this by dragging the little orange “Pegman” icon, usually found in the bottom-right corner of the screen, onto your property. Google Maps will then transition to the Street View perspective, showing the image of your house (if available).

3. Find the “Report a Problem” Option:

This is the crucial step. Look closely at the lower right corner of the Street View image. You should find a small link that reads “Report a Problem.” This link isn’t always prominently displayed, so take a moment to ensure you’ve located it.

4. Initiate the Blurring Request:

Clicking on “Report a Problem” will open a form where you can detail your blurring request. The form typically asks you to:

• Center the Red Box: Adjust the red box on the image to precisely outline the area you want blurred. In this case, make sure the red box accurately encompasses your entire house.
• Explain Your Request: You’ll be presented with a dropdown menu and a text box to explain why you’re requesting the blurring. While you don’t need to provide extensive details, indicating that you’re concerned about privacy is usually sufficient.
• Provide Contact Information: Google will need a way to contact you if they require further clarification or have any questions regarding your request. Provide a valid email address.
• Complete the CAPTCHA: A standard CAPTCHA test will ensure that a human is making the request, not a bot.

5. Submit Your Request:

Once you’ve filled out the form and completed the CAPTCHA, carefully review your submission to ensure accuracy. Then, click the “Submit” button.

What Happens Next?

After you submit your request, Google will review it. It’s important to understand that submitting the request doesn’t guarantee immediate blurring. Google assesses each request individually. However, they generally grant requests for blurring houses.

Important Considerations:

• Permanent Blurring: Be aware that blurring is permanent. Once your house is blurred, it cannot be un-blurred. Carefully consider the decision before submitting your request.
• Neighboring Properties: Keep in mind that your request might affect the clarity of neighboring properties if your house is closely situated.
• Alternative Views: Google Street View isn’t the only place your house might be visible online. Consider exploring other avenues for privacy protection if you have broader concerns.

In conclusion, requesting the blurring of your house on Google Street View is a relatively simple process that empowers you to take control of your privacy in the digital age. By following these steps, you can easily submit a request and potentially obscure your home from public view. Remember to weigh the implications of permanent blurring before proceeding, and rest assured that Google provides this option to address legitimate privacy concerns.