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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Paige Freshwater

Google Maps has started blurring dog's faces to 'protect their privacy'

When using Google Maps, you're usually checking directions to a new place or once again viewing your own house.

But you never expect to come across something which raises more questions than it answers.

Eagle-eyed users have noticed how Google Maps has been blurring dog's faces to "protect their privacy".

A Google statement reads: “When we create Street View content from 360 video recordings submitted by users, we apply our algorithms to automatically blur faces and license plates.”

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Their algorithms has been automatically picking up dog's faces (Google Maps)

Taking to Reddit, users have been sharing their amazement at Google's efforts to mask each dog's identity, joking the technology company takes their four-legged friends' privacy very seriously.

One user said: "I was today years old when I learned Google Maps blurs out the faces of dogs. I’m happy they support dog privacy."

While another added: "Pooch protection program."

A third said: "The joke is on them - dogs recognise each other from their butts."

Google Maps launched in February 2005 as a "new solution to help people get from point A to point B". It is now used by more than one billion people all over the world every month.

People have joked Google is running a 'pooch protection program' (Google Maps)

They randomly schedules its car to come around, possibly to guard against people from performing stunts when it's on route. However, they do update their satellite images once every one to three years.

Most recently, it announced its Live View, which helps users better navigate the world around them by providing them with arrows and directions clearly overlaid on their maps.

A Google Maps statement reads: "We launched Google Maps as a useful way to help people get around.

"As we’ve added features and capabilities, Google Maps has evolved into much more than a website that gives you turn-by-turn directions.

"Today, it’s a gateway to exploring the world—both digitally and in real life, on foot or by car, via public transit or a wheelchair.

"The world is constantly changing, and so is the way we get around in it. And as it does, Google Maps will be there every step of the way, building new tools that help you navigate, explore and get things done, wherever you are."

Do you have a dog story to sell? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.

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