Here’s How to Blur the Image of Your Michigan Home on Google Maps

I'd be willing to bet that at some point you've Googled your name, right? I'm also pretty sure you've looked for your house on Google Maps too. Am I right about that as well?

If you're concerned about security, there are steps you can take to blur your home on Google Street View. But not everyone agrees that it's necessary.

Should You Blur the Image of Your Home on Google Maps?

Does having your home visible on Google Maps present a security risk? While some say leaving your home visible on the Internet could be a roadmap for criminals to learn about points of entry and the layout of your property, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

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Joseph Steinberg is a security expert and the author of 'Cybersecurity for Dummies.' He tells The Hill that blurring your home on Google Street View is in most cases, pointless. He also notes that having a blurred image of your home may pique criminals' interest, leading them to believe that you have a lot of valuables that are worth stealing.

Here Are the Steps to Blur Your Home's Image on Google:

If you believe that blurring your home on Google Street View is the right choice for you, follow these steps, compiled by Reader's Digest. 

1. Open Google Maps on your computer. (This process does not work on the smartphone app.)
2. Google your home address. When your home comes up, click on the 'Street View' image. You can't perform this function on the satellite image.
3. Once you've called up your house's image in street view, click 'report a problem' in the lower right. This brings up a red and black box.
4. Drag your home (and any buildings you want to include) into the box. Use the zoom function to help include what you want blurred.
5. You'll have to answer a few questions, include your email address, verify that you are the homeowner or tenant, and complete a CAPTCHA test.

Once you've submitted your request, watch your email. Google may have additional questions as they review your request.