Internet giant Alphabet has switched off real-time traffic information in Ukraine in its Google Maps navigation software.
Google collects location data anonymously via smartphones with the Android operating system. This can be used to identify, for example, whether many people are stuck in a traffic jam. In Ukraine, for example, this meant that it was possible to track in real time whether civilians were stuck in traffic at roadblocks.
Switching off the display of traffic flows is part of a package of measures that Google initiated last week. “Our threat intelligence teams monitor and stop disinformation campaigns, hacking and financially motivated abuse, and work with other companies and relevant government agencies to address these threats,” Google said on Twitter.
In this context, Google also offers individual websites of Ukrainian media and other organizations technical protection against so-called DDoS attacks, in which servers with massive data access are supposed to be brought to their knees. The actual navigation function of Google map was not restricted.
Source: Nachrichten
