Live Traffic Data Disabled for Google, Apple Mapping Apps in Israel, Gaza
Apple and Google have temporarily shut down live traffic data in Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps in Israel and the Gaza Stripfollowing a request from the Israeli military, Bloomberg reports.
Drivers in the area who use the apps will still get features like estimated time of arrival, but traffic information has been suspended. It's based on real-time crowding data, which could reveal where troops are located and how they're moving through the area. Israeli troops are currently responding to a deadly attack carried out on Oct. 7 by Hamas that killed 1,400 civilians.
“As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and busyness information out of consideration for the safety of local communities,” Google tells Bloomberg.
Google, which owns Waze, did the same last year in Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
Apple did not respond to Bloomberg, but it has reportedly turned off live data in the region, too.
Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Read more on pcmag.com
