Millions are being urged to change their settings on Google Maps to protect themselves
- Police have previously warned that online mapping tools are “useful” for criminals
- However, Google Maps offers two important options to improve personal safety online
- These include blurring private details and sharing location with loved ones
From navigating cities to finding local restaurants, many of us depend on Google Maps to get around in daily life.
But despite its portability, the platform’s panoramic street views can reveal private information about your home that may not be welcome online.
In the past, publicly available mapping tools have been deemed “useful” for criminals planning attacks – from burglary to terrorism.
Google Maps itself also pixelated the home of Apple CEO Tim Cook last year after it raised concerns.
However, some will be pleased that blurring unwanted content on the web is easily accessible for all Google Maps website users.
Google Maps offers the ability to blur faces, your home, cars, and other personal details
Users can use Google Maps to search for their home address on their computer.
A photo of your home should then appear, which can be clicked to present a close-up street view of the area.
If there are details you want to blur, click on the three little dots that should be in the top left corner of the Google view.
This gives the “Report a problem” option which allows users to record an inappropriate street view when clicked on.
Requests can be made to blur faces, houses, cars, license plates, or other objects.
There is also an option to notify Google if there are any image quality issues.
The only information about you is an e-mail address.
For many of us, Google Maps is indispensable for getting around in everyday life
For those worried about walking alone in the dark, Google Maps also allows users to share their location with loved ones.
To access it, click on the three lines to the left of the search bar, which display a menu view.
This provides a location sharing option where users can choose how long they want this tracking information to be made available to selected personal contacts.