This page aims to explain why faces should not be in Google Maps photos.

Find Google's official statements on faces in Google Maps photos in the Photo Rules. Scroll down and open 1: No kids in pics, 2: No selfies, 3: No group photos, and 4: No recognizable faces. This issue is also addressed in What photos should I share on Google Maps? by Google Moderator MoniV.

1. Privacy

Even if is "your" child, your family, and your friends and you believe you to have their permission to share their faces publicly you should not upload such photos. Children probably don't understand the potential consequences or they can easily change their minds later in life. And I can think of many good reasons why people later might want not to be recognized and associated with a place on Google Maps.

2. Distractions

Human brains automatically locate faces and stare at them first when a new photo is presented. It is very difficult to overlook faces in photos. So they are a serious distractions stealing attention from the places. You can find other distraction here.

3. Blocking Maps users' view

Particularly in group photos and selfies people and faces can take up a large proportion of your frame. Hence they can easily stop Maps users from seeing details that are important to them.

How to prevent this issue

First of all ,you need to be aware and avoid having faces in your frame when shooting for Google Maps.

Sometimes you need to wait for people to move on before you take your shot.

Another trick is to visit places before or after the big crowds are expected. The golden light in early mornings and late in the day can also make your photos look better.

It can seem boring to not have faces in your shots, but Google Maps is about places and not about people. Always let the places and not people be the main object in your Google Maps shots. There are a lot of different platforms where photos of faces are highly appreciated.

NB: People far away and people not facing the camera is normally not a problem.

I once came across a Maps user who had this habit of sticking his face into the foreground of every photo he uploaded to Google Maps. His average view count was not impressive, so I believe that Google's Photo Quality System does not favor selfies. Google is very concerned about this issue. When you flag photos on Google Maps for Privacy concern Googles staffers usually take swift action and make the images private within a day or two.

The next page explains why you should not upload photos in portrait orientation. Hit "Suggested next page" to continue.