Ifeng.com technology news, Beijing time on October 24th, informed sources said that at the request of the Israeli military, Google’s map and navigation app Waze will shut down real-time traffic conditions in Israel and the Gaza Strip.At present, Israel is considering launching a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.
A Google spokesperson responded in a statement: "In response to the evolving situation in the region, as we have done in previous conflict situations, we have temporarily disabled real-time traffic and busyness information as a matter of community safety."Google said that while Google Maps and Waze will not display real-time traffic conditions, drivers using the navigation system will continue to receive estimated arrival times based on real-time traffic conditions.
But Google removed real-time congestion data for Israel and Gaza at the request of the Israel Defense Forces because real-time traffic information could reveal the movements of Israeli forces, according to people familiar with the matter. Google took a similar action in Ukraine last year after the conflict broke out between Russia and Ukraine, disabling real-time vehicle and pedestrian traffic data.
According to Israeli technology website GeekTime, Apple’s Maps app has also complied with the Israeli military’s request.No longer displaying real-time traffic conditions in Israel.
Israel has called up more than 300,000 reservists after a surprise attack by Hamas earlier this month. The Israeli military has hinted at a ground invasion of Gaza, a move that has been criticised by world leaders for the potential civilian casualties. US President Joe Biden said he asked about "alternatives" to a ground war during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week.
As of press time,An Apple spokesperson has not yet commented, nor has the Israel Defense Forces.(Author/Xiao Yu)
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