Android bot seen peeing on Apple logo in Google Maps; Google apologises, removes it

A controversial image of what appeared to be the Android bot peeing on Apple’s logo in Google Maps was spotted recently. Though, the image has now been removed by Google, this awkward figure was pointed out by Team Android which stated that the image, at the time of posting, was located in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Google Maps. The image did not appear on the satellite view of the area of course, so the only manipulation made was to the map view of the region. The image also appeared to users on mobile devices as well.

Also, this wasn’t the only unsettling image which was floating around in Google Maps. The report also identified at what seems to be a big Skype logo around Lahore, Pakistan as well.

Image: Google Maps

But seems like the company isn’t guarding the changes carefully as another message was found nearby too. Google has identified all these problems and removed the abrupt images.

Image: Google Maps

 

It is unclear for how long these images were present in Google’s Maps. At that moment, nothing was said on this by Google. However, later, in an emailed statement to WashingtonPost, a Google spokesperson Mara Harris apologised saying “sorry for this inappropriate user-created content; we’re working to remove it quickly” and that “the vast majority of users who edit our maps provide great contributions.”
A Twitter user had pointed out that it appears the change was added via Google’s Map Maker tool and somehow slipped past the approval process. The report explained that Google Maps relies on a feature called Map Maker, which allows users around the world update it in an attempt to help the company use local knowledge to keep up with ever-changing infrastructure. These changes are theoretically reviewed by other users and a moderation team,as well.
Google also added that, “we also learn from these issues, and we’re constantly improving how we detect, prevent and handle bad listings.”