Direct request from the Israeli military… “Military movements may be exposed.”
Google Maps and Waze product service restrictions… Includes Apple Maps
As it is known that the Israeli ground forces’ operation in the Gaza Strip is imminent, Big Tech (giant technology companies) Google and Apple have suspended some functions of their map applications in Israel and the Gaza Strip.
On the 23rd (local time), the US political media The Hill cited Bloomberg News and reported that Google has decided to stop providing traffic information services in Israel and the Gaza Strip at the request of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This is because the Israeli military’s movements can be exposed by providing traffic information.
Accordingly, Google decided to restrict Google Maps and Waze product services in these regions. Apple Maps service is also limited due to IDF requirements.
Hamas, which the United States defines as a terrorist organization, carried out a surprise attack on Israel on the 7th, resulting in the deaths of about 1,500 people. Hamas also took about 200 people hostage and took them to Gaza.
Israel retaliated with massive airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Gaza’s health ministry said Israeli airstrikes killed more than 5,000 Palestinians. Israeli military commanders said the deployment of ground forces in Gaza was imminent.
In a statement to The Hill, a Google Maps spokesperson said drivers can use the navigation system to get an estimated time of arrival (ETA) based on real-time traffic conditions.
“For the safety of our community, we have temporarily disabled traffic information, as we have done in response to previous conflict situations and the evolving situation in the area,” said Caroline Burdo, a Google Maps spokeswoman.
“Anyone heading to a specific area can still get routes and ETAs that take current traffic conditions into account,” Burdo added.
Google took similar measures when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, The Hill reported.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.