Google turned off the Google Maps live traffic feature for Ukraine globally, to protect the citizens during the Russian invasion.
Russia invaded Ukraine last week, starting the war that many people feared. Since then, the Ukrainian resistance has been exemplary, with the country putting up a massive fight against the invading force. The entire world took notice, urging Russia to stop the attack and withdraw. Moreover, western countries imposed sanctions against Russia and sent weapons, battle gear, and supplies to Ukraine’s aid. Tech companies reacted, too. Google is one of them, and it has just shut down the Google Maps live traffic features that so many users love. The feature uses a number of data points to determine traffic conditions in real-time. The Google Maps feature helps users determine the best route to their destination, and it’s the kind of intelligent navigation feature we take for granted. However, in the case of the Russia-Ukraine war, the feature can be abused and put people in danger. As a result, Google shut it down to protect the citizens of Ukraine. The Google Maps live traffic feature incorporates live information from drivers to determine traffic conditions in real-time. The iPhone or Android phone you’re using to navigate to your destination pings Google’s servers, and Google’s algorithms then issue appropriate guidance. A birds-eye view at any map in Google Maps will tell you how busy an area is. You can see if there’s traffic and decide to take a different route. The information is also available as you navigate to your destination. It’s the kind of Google Maps feature that you probably use all the time.
