[WildHighlander57]

SteveH wrote:

“wow, i just checked google maps and the checkered area is there (copyright 2019). hmmm...”

Go on go ogle maps to New Mexico White Sands Missile Range, go up to the mountain range to the east of Truth or Consequences, right near a mountain called Skillet Knob, there is an airfield with buildings blotted out.

Who has the “juice” to get go ogle maps to censor stuff?

[SteveH]

you are asking me who has the juice to cover up google maps? —my offhand answer would be the FBI, since google is domestic and FBI handles domestic investigatory issues. For completeness, it seems possible that the FBI takes a back seat to the CIA for classified satellite photography issues.

[TXnMA]

Any user who is signed up to contribute to the GE public database (for example, to create 3-D buildings) can create and upload such filled polygons; no "juice" required...

TXnMA
  

[ichabod1]

“Who has the “juice” to get go ogle maps to censor stuff?”

I think your question is rhetorical but to answer it: The GOVERNMENT does! Classification System.