Why Google Maps Has Stopped Providing Live Traffic Data for Ukraine

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has decided to disable Google Maps’ live traffic tools in Ukraine, after consulting with local authorities. The move comes after Russian forces entered the country in what Vladimir Putin called a “special military operation”.

Google’s purpose of limiting certain features of the Maps app is to protect the safety and security of Ukrainian citizens.

Google Maps temporarily disables some features in Ukraine

On February 24, 2022, Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, an open-source intelligence (OSINT) expert, tweeted the first real signs of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Using a combination of Google Maps and satellite imagery, he was able to identify a build-up of cross-border traffic from Belgorod in Russia to Ukraine, before the operation was officially announced by Russia’s president.

Google announced on 27 February that it would temporarily disable live traffic and “engagement” tools from the app in Ukraine. This will prevent anyone from seeing busy areas such as shops and restaurants or places where people are gathering on foot or in vehicles.

In an attempt to confuse Russian troops, the Ukrainian government asked for the removal of road signs a day before some of the Google Maps equipment was removed. However, drivers using Google Maps in Ukraine can still view live traffic information, download offline maps, and use Google’s turn-by-turn navigation features.

Technology: A Hurdle or a Help?

While Ukraine and the rest of the world anticipated some sort of invasion from Russia, it was through the use of radar photos and satellite imagery taken by Capella Space and Google Maps that Jeffrey Lewis was able to see the Russian army’s forward movement Were.

When used properly, the technology can provide invaluable information capable of protecting communities in Ukraine. However, there is always the danger that the same information is being used to cause harm, hence, why Google has limited certain Maps features in this area.

Google Maps has joined the party. If you are a fan of using all your iOS apps on dark mode, then you will be happy to know that Google Maps is another app on which you can do so.

In September 2021, Google announced several features coming to Google Maps on iOS including dark mode. This article will give you a guide to enable dark mode in Google Maps for iOS.

Dark Mode for iOS?

Although Google Maps is late to the dark mode party, at least for iOS users, it has finally caught on. Having the option to switch to dark mode makes a lot of sense as Google Maps is one app you can use while driving at night.

And let’s be honest, it can be awkward—and sometimes feel unsafe—to use apps on light mode while driving at night.

Why dark mode matters for Google Maps on iOS

While smartphone users may often be divided on the dark mode vs light mode debate, there is no doubt that a myriad of users prefer dark mode. That’s why it’s always a big deal when major apps like Google Maps release dark mode versions.

And when it comes to Google Maps, the option to enable dark mode is a no brainer as it comes in handy when you are driving at night or in places where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe .