Google will temporarily suspend live traffic conditions on Google Maps and Waze in Israel as regional tensions are growing and as the nation prepares itself for the potential of a ground incursion into Gaza.
CNN reported that a Google Maps representative explained the choice in a statement released on Monday, saying: "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."
Limited Traffic Data Amid Tensions
According to Google, suspending Google Maps and Waze was made in consideration of several factors, including the opinions of regional and municipal officials. The tech giant did not indicate whether the tools would be blocked in Israel, Gaza, or both, or whether the Israel Defense Forces requested the measure.
People look at a Google Earth map of Paris, France, on a screen as Google Earth unveils the revamped version of the application on April 18, 2017, at an event at New York's Whitney Museum of Art.
Previously, Google took similar actions. Google briefly stopped real-time vehicle data on its mapping applications in Ukraine last year amid the Russia-Ukraine war, per Now This News.
Google has informed users that the applications will still provide step-by-step instructions that take into account the most recent traffic conditions, even if live traffic conditions will not be shown. The applications' estimated times of arrival (ETAs) will take traffic information into account.
It's still not clear whether Gaza will be included in the scope of these restrictions.
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Traffic visibility was reduced in conflict zones to protect local populations. The Middle East turmoil, which has killed thousands, might expand and become a regional issue, according to Fortune.
Google seeks to reduce possible hazards and hinder the ability of bad actors, like Hamas, to target places with a lot of potential targets by restricting the accessibility of traffic information. This strategy aims to protect lives and lessen the possible effects of conflicts.
The tech giant has safeguarded its mapping tools in turbulent times, but it also emphasizes ethical and responsible technology use.
Israel is Gearing Towards 'The Next Stage' of Its War Against Hamas
Over 1,300 Israeli citizens died on October 7. Israeli and U.S. authorities said a failed Palestinian Islamic Jihad missile killed hundreds more in a Gaza hospital.
In a related update, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today announced that the Israeli military is "facing the next stage."
"I want to tell you where we are right now, we are hitting the enemy with tremendous force. In our attacks in Gaza yesterday, we dealt the enemy the hardest blow he suffered in one day," Netanyahu remarked, as quoted by NBC News.
He said that the only mission of the Israeli military was to "crush Hamas" and that soldiers had killed "many dozens of terrorists, possibly much more than that."
"We are facing the next stage; it is on its way. You know it; you are part of it; you are part of the spearhead," Netanyahu said, expressing his confidence and admiration for Israeli troops for safeguarding the country.
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