Google Maps features temporarily disabled in Ukraine
Live traffic information by turn-by-turn navigation, however, will be available.
On Sunday, Google confirmed that it has temporarily disabled some Google maps tools for Ukraine. Some of these tools provide real-time information about traffic conditions and busy streets, according to Reuters.
The tech company contended that it has taken this decision for the safety of communities in the country after consulting regional authorities and more.
According to a professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Google Maps helped him track a "traffic jam" that was, in fact, Russian movement towards the border just a few hours before the operation was announced.
Live traffic information, however, is still available for drivers using the turn-by-turn navigation features.
Meta refuses Ukraine request to disconnect Russia from Facebook
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, denied on Sunday disconnecting Russia from Facebook after requests from Ukrainian citizens following Russia's special operation, Nick Clegg, vice president of Global Affairs and Communications at the company, confirmed.
Clegg pointed out that some Ukrainians have "suggested that we remove access to Facebook and Instagram in Russia."
The Meta official claimed on Twitter that "People in Russia are using Facebook and Instagram to protest and organize against the war and as a source of independent information."
According to Clegg, Meta has restricted access in Ukraine to several accounts of some Russian state media organizations upon the Ukrainian government's request.
Telegram will not restrict channels in Russia & Ukraine
In the same context, Telegram founder Pavel Durov, said Sunday that the company may consider restricting news channels within messenger partially or fully in Ukraine and Russia if the ongoing situation in Ukraine escalates.
"If the situation escalates we will consider partially or fully restricting the work of Telegram channels in involved countries during conflict," Durov mentioned.
However, later in the day, Durov confirmed that Telegram decided not to turn off channels in Russia and Ukraine due to mass requests from users.
He also advised users to double-check the news spread on the messenger application.