Google and Apple Disable Live Traffic Features on Mapping Apps in Israel and Gaza Amid Heightened Conflict

Tech Companies Make Move in Response to IDF Request amidst Rising Tensions between Israel and Hamas, Aiming to Restrict Capability of Traffic Data Revealing Troop Movements.

Google and Apple have disabled live traffic conditions on their map services, Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps, in Israel and Gaza, in response to a request from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The tech companies made this move amidst rising tensions and the expectation of an imminent ground invasion of Gaza by Israel.
The decision to restrict traffic data is aimed at safeguarding the safety of local communities and withholding information on troop movements that could potentially be used by Hamas for targeted attacks.
While live traffic information has been disabled, the map services will continue to provide directions and estimated times of arrival (ETAs), taking into account the current traffic conditions.
This isn't the first instance of Google restricting traffic information during conflict situations. In 2022, Google disabled live traffic data in Ukraine following the country's invasion by Russia.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas originated from an attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, killing thousands of Israelis. The escalating tensions and anticipation of a ground invasion have resulted in both companies disabling real-time crowding data in Israel and Gaza.