Google reveals new Maps features to protect against fake content

Google has made numerous changes to Maps to prevent users from submitting content to its app that violates its policies. Given that more than 300 million people share their experiences on Google Maps each year, this seems like a very important mission for the Mountain View company.

Today, Google announcement three new ways it plans to prevent fake content from being submitted. The first involves constant monitoring of contributed content and detection of any unusual patterns.

When such content is detected, Google will act quickly and implement protections to prevent further abuse, such as removing the false content or temporarily disabling new contributions.

Additionally, Google says it is now focusing on preventing abuse before sensitive times like elections or other important events. The company proactively protects locations when off-topic and unnecessary content increases by limiting the ability for people to suggest changes to phone numbers, addresses, and other factual information to prevent the spread of falsehoods. information.

Last but not least, Google will not allow Maps reviews for specific locations like prisons and police stations. These places benefit from longer-term protections since user contributions are systematically unnecessary, harmful or off-topic.

If a user attempts to write a review about a prison on Google Maps, they will receive a notification banner informing them that the feature is disabled with a link to learn more about the company’s policies.