Engadget reports that Google Maps blurs certain locations on Street View as a deliberate privacy measure, acting on requests from government entities, privacy campaigners, and individuals. The affected places include military and security-sensitive government sites, homes of celebrities and high-net-worth individuals, and residences belonging to people who value digital privacy. In Germany and the Netherlands, residents have a legal right to request blurring, which is why many homes in those countries appear pixelated.
Requesting a blur is straightforward: users can open Street View, focus on the property, and choose the "Report a problem" option in the interface. Google asks for an email address to verify the request and may require proof of tenancy or ownership, along with a reCAPTCHA check. Google also automatically blurs faces and license plates, but users can ask for additional redaction if those automated tools miss something.
The biggest caveat is permanence. The article notes that Google offers no way to undo a blur once it has been applied. That means neighbors may no longer be able to explore the full street, and future owners or buyers cannot view the building through Street View. The report also mentions a counterintuitive security concern: a blurred home might signal to burglars that something valuable is inside. Finally, blurring a property on Google Maps does not affect other mapping services; Apple Maps and other providers require separate requests.