APPLE and Google Maps have plans to turn off live traffic updates in Israel and Gaza as the war rages on.
As the conflict between Hamas and Israel continues, Apple and Google are disabling some information on their navigation platforms.
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The alterations are being made to prevent the apps from being used to determine troop and vehicle movements.
Before coming to this conclusion, a Google spokesperson told CNN they consulted with both regional and local authorities including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In a statement to The Hill, a Google Maps spokesperson said that drivers will still be able to use other functions of the navigation system.
This includes receiving estimated times of arrival based on their live traffic conditions.
“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,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement.
“Anyone navigating to a specific place will still get routes and ETAs that take current traffic conditions into account.”
The company took similar measures in Ukraine after Russia invaded the country in February 2022.
During that period, live information on how busy places in Ukraine were or local traffic conditions was no longer shown.
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The change then was global, so no one around the world would be able to view traffic data inside Ukraine.
It made it harder for anyone trying to track the movements of troops and civilians inside the war-torn nation.
HAMAS-ISRAEL CONFLICT
Hamas, which the US recognizes as a terrorist organization, launched an attack on Israel on October 7.
The attack killed thousands of Israelis, while around 200 more were taken hostage back to the Gaza Strip.
In response, Israel has launched aerial and naval attacks on Gaza, an area controlled by Hamas.
The conflict has attracted the eyes of the world, with many world leaders calling for de-escalation of the situation before any more casualties are lost.
