google maps
IN PHOTO: People look at a view of Google Maps on the new ''iPad'' during the launch of Apple's new tablet computing device in San Francisco, California Reuters/Kimberly White

Google Maps is a great program that allows you to locate almost any place in the world. However, you might be concerned about your privacy and security and wish to remove your home from Google Maps. You can do so by following these simple steps.

1. First, go to www.google.com/maps

2. Look for your house by typing your address in the search box then pressing Enter.

3. A photo your house stating Street View will appear. Click on it.

4. Adjust the Street View on Google Maps by clicking on the right and left arrows on the Street View until you view your house.

5. Click the link stating Report a Problem found at the bottom right part of the Street View image.

6. You will be directed to a page to Report Inappropriate Street View. Request to have certain or all features blurred. You may have the photo of your whole house removed too. Complete the form accordingly.

7. Leave your email address then submit a CAPTCHA.

Your home will be taken off Google Maps after a few days or hours. You may follow up Google if your request has not yet been addressed after a few days. You may still use Google Maps to search for other addresses, even if you have removed your own.

Street View images are not actually real time. The images shown are only the ones that the Google vehicle previously took when they drove by to make the map and feature landmarks. The images you find on Google Maps can be a few months or years old.

Share photo spheres are visible to all Google Maps users. Your full name associated with your Google account and link to your Google+ profile from your photos shared on the program will be included as well. The date and location of the image will be shown to the public. Google automatically blurs license plates and the faces of people for your own personal protection and privacy. You can report any item that you wish to have blurred by reporting to Google.

Follow these steps and stay protected and unidentifiable on Google Maps.

To contact the writer of this story, send an email to v.doctor@ibtimes.com.au