Google Maps' Live Traffic Data Disabled In Ukraine To Protect Civilians
Google Maps has temporarily disabled live traffic features in Ukraine to protect civilians amid the Russian invasion. The live traffic data in Google Maps incorporates anonymous information about the location and speed of vehicles and then uses that information to show in real-time how busy traffic conditions are in any particular region.
Ukraine has been under attack from Russia over the past several days, and the war is already taking a massive humanitarian toll. It is also creating a significant problem for global businesses, especially the tech sector, with fears that the war could prolong the chip shortage as both Russia and Ukraine export crucial materials used to produce microchips.
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In a statement to Reuters, Google said it had decided to disable Google Maps' live traffic data in Ukraine. The company also has disabled live information on how busy stores and restaurants are in the country. According to Google, the decision was taken in consultation with local administration officials in Ukraine and is meant to protect civilians. Interestingly, the data has only been disabled from global access and not for drivers using the app for navigation purposes in the region.
At the precise moment the Russian forces were moving into Ukraine, some researchers found out that the live traffic data from Google Maps could be used to gain insights regarding the military operations and the whereabouts of the convoys. For example, Jeffrey Lewis, an open-source intelligence expert (OSINT) and professor at Middlebury Institute, first tweeted about the Russian troop movement into Ukraine five days ago after noticing an unusual traffic jam developing on the road from
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