Have you ever noticed some houses appearing blurred when you browse Google Maps Street View? This isn’t a glitch. Across Southern California and beyond, homeowners are intentionally blurring their properties on Google Maps as a proactive security measure to deter potential burglaries. This trend, highlighted by Riverside Police Department officer Ryan Railsback, suggests a growing awareness among homeowners about digital privacy and its impact on real-world security. But why is this blurring happening, and is it truly effective?
Why Blur Your House on Google Maps? The Security Benefits
The primary motivation behind blurring a house on Google Maps is to reduce the risk of burglary. As explained by Officer Railsback, this tactic aims to deprive potential criminals of valuable reconnaissance information. By obscuring the details of their homes online, homeowners hope to make their properties less appealing targets.
Christopher Herrmann, a professor of law and police science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, reinforces this point, stating, “Would-be thieves certainly want to scout their locations before they hit them.” Google Maps Street View can inadvertently provide this scouting opportunity. Criminals might use these readily available images to assess a property’s layout, identify potential entry points, and even evaluate the presence of security systems like cameras or alarms. By blurring their homes, individuals can deny criminals this initial visual intelligence, making it harder to plan a burglary. This digital camouflage can conceal valuable assets that might be visible in clear images, acting as a virtual deterrent.
Why Houses are Blurred on Google Maps: Google Headquarters Example
The Potential Drawbacks: Does Blurring Create Suspicion?
While blurring your house on Google Maps might seem like a smart security move, some experts suggest it could backfire. Professor Herrmann raises a valid concern: “It may be more of a red flag.” The act of blurring might inadvertently signal to criminals that a property is hiding something valuable or has vulnerabilities the homeowner is trying to conceal. A blurred house could, paradoxically, attract unwanted attention by piquing curiosity.
Furthermore, it’s important to consider the actual risk of home burglary. Statistics from the Department of Justice indicate that home burglaries are relatively uncommon. In 2019, fewer than 1% of US households experienced a burglary. This raises the question Herrmann poses: “Is your house going to be targeted by would-be thieves? Probably not.” While taking precautions is wise, the need for digital blurring might be overstated in the context of overall burglary risk.
Google’s Perspective on House Blurring and Privacy
Google acknowledges and supports users’ rights to privacy on Google Maps. A Google spokesperson confirmed to ABC News that the company allows users to blur their homes. “Street View helps people virtually explore the world, and we make it easy for anyone to blur their home if they prefer.” Google provides a straightforward process for blurring, emphasizing user control over their online representation. Moreover, Google employs “state of the art technology” to automatically blur faces and license plates, demonstrating a broader commitment to privacy within Google Maps.
How to Blur Your House on Google Maps: A Quick Guide
If you’re concerned about your home’s visibility on Google Maps Street View and wish to blur it, the process is simple and can be done through the Google Maps website (the mobile app does not offer this feature).
- Navigate to Google Maps in a web browser and enter your home address.
- Enter Street View mode for your property.
- Click “Report a problem” located in the drop-down menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Complete the questionnaire. This form will ask you to specify the area you want blurred (your house) and the reason for your request.
- Submit the questionnaire. Google may contact you for further clarification or information.
Blurring your house on Google Maps is a personal choice driven by privacy and security considerations. While it might offer a perceived layer of digital protection, understanding both the potential benefits and drawbacks is crucial in making an informed decision.
