Alphabet today confirmed with TechCrunch that it has disabled certain Google Maps live traffic tools in Ukraine. The news, reported by Reuters, comes after the company has consulted with local authorities as the country faces attacks from Russian forces. The features will remain on for local turn-by-turn navigation for drivers, while broader global access is disabled.
The popular mapping technology has served a surprise role in the invasion of Ukraine since the outset. One research facility in California was able to spot the Russian approach toward the Ukrainian border hours before the “special military operation” was officially declared, using a combination of Maps traffic data and satellite imaging to spot traffic pileups.
“In the old days, we would have relied on a reporter to show us what was happening on the ground,” rese …
