Reuters reports that Alphabet Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Google announced on Sunday that it had temporarily blocked various Google Maps functions that offer real-time information about traffic conditions and how crowded particular locations are in Ukraine.
After conferring with sources including regional authorities, the firm said it has taken the move of worldwide deactivating the Google Maps traffic layer and live information on how popular businesses like stores and restaurants are in Ukraine for the safety of local populations in the nation.
Russia’s military, which entered Ukraine on Thursday, are launching strikes. As missiles dropped on Ukrainian cities, approximately 400,000 citizens fled into neighbouring nations, the majority of them were women and children. more info.
Russia refers to its operations in Ukraine as a “special operation.”
Google and other major technology companies have announced additional security measures to safeguard customers’ privacy in the region.
Researchers who are putting together activities around the battle have also looked into online services and social media sites.
Google Maps assisted a professor at California’s Middlebury Institute of International Studies in tracking a “traffic bottleneck” that was really Russian movement towards the border hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the attack. more info
Google stated that cars using its turn-by-turn navigation tools in the region may still access current traffic information.