Google Maps glitch sparks chaos on German roads
Many German drivers will surely remember this day for a long time to come. Thursday morning descended into chaos, all due to a popular app that misled them. Could the issues have been avoided?
Technology is practically everywhere and can make many things easier. Drivers know this well: not only can they use interesting features in the mObywatel app, but they also rely on navigation apps every day, such as Google Maps.
Google Maps not so perfect
The newspaper Bild reports on issues on German roads. On Thursday morning, drivers from the western and south-western regions of Germany started receiving warnings about closed roads. The information came from Google Maps. The app clearly warned that sections of the A1, A3, A4, A40, A45, A52, and A57 motorways were closed. Many drivers decided to take detours, which caused chaos.
Awaria Google Maps. Utrudnienia, których nie było
It turns out that detours were not needed at all, as there were no disruptions. In short, the Google Maps app reported closed roads that were passable—the streets were blocked only "virtually". It is not yet clear what was confused: was it "just" a glitch, or did someone deliberately interfere with the app? Google is currently investigating the incident.
It's worth remembering these things
Bild emphasises that the problem concerned only Google Maps. Other apps, such as Apple Maps or Waze, did not report blocked roads. So it is logical to verify traffic information from multiple sources, including radio broadcasts.
A healthy dose of scepticism towards technology doesn’t hurt either. Modern tools are not perfect, and this applies to both mobile apps and artificial intelligence.
