Overview

• On May 29, Google Maps wrongly marked major autobahns and highways across Germany as closed just as millions set off for the Ascension Day holiday.
• The misleading closure signs sent drivers onto local roads, leading to widespread congestion and extended delays nationwide.
• Local police and traffic authorities were inundated with calls from motorists seeking clarification about the apparent shutdown.
• Users flagged the errors through the app, prompting Google to remove the incorrect closure signage and restore accurate route information.
• Google Maps draws on third-party providers, public agencies and user input, and Google has not determined whether the malfunction stemmed from a technical fault or flawed data inputs.