When you see protected or blurry areas on Google Maps or Google Earth, it usually means those locations have been intentionally obscured. There are a few main reasons for this:
- National Security or Military Bases
Governments often request that sensitive locations like military installations, radar stations, nuclear facilities, or secret research centers be blurred or pixelated for security reasons.
- Private Properties
Some private individuals or organizations may request their homes or properties be blurred for privacy. Google offers a form for people to request this.
- Censorship or Governmental Restrictions
Some countries may request certain areas be blurred or restricted to prevent public viewing of politically sensitive sites.
- Environmental or Cultural Protection
Rarely, areas with protected cultural heritage or sensitive ecological status may be limited in visibility.
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Google provides a way for individuals to request the blurring of their homes or other personal information on Street View to protect privacy.
🕵🏽♂️ How to Request Blurring on Google Maps
If you’d like to blur your home or other personal details on Google Maps Street View, follow these steps:
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Open Google Maps: Navigate to Google Maps on your computer.
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Enter Your Address: Type your address into the search bar and press Enter.
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Access Street View: Drag the yellow “Pegman” icon (found in the bottom-right corner) onto the map to enter Street View at your location.
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Locate the Image: Adjust the view until you see the image you want to blur.
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Report a Problem: Click on the “Report a problem” link, typically found in the bottom-right corner of the Street View image.
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Select the Area to Blur: A red box will appear; adjust it to cover the area you wish to blur.
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Provide Details: Under “Request blurring,” select the appropriate option (e.g., “My home”) and provide any additional details to help Google identify the area.
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Submit the Request: Enter your email address, complete the CAPTCHA, and click “Submit.”
Once submitted, Google will review your request. If approved, the blurring is permanent and cannot be reversed.
Additional Information
Permanent Blurring: Be certain about your decision, as the blurring cannot be undone once applied.
Processing Time: The review process may take some time; Google will contact you if they need more information.
Other Blurring Requests: You can also request blurring of faces, license plates, or other identifying information.
For more detailed information, you can visit Google’s official Street View Privacy Policy.