Google and Apple have temporarily disabled live traffic updates in Israel and Gaza for their Maps and Waze apps, leaving some users pondering the move’s implications. While the companies claim it’s a safety measure to protect local communities, skeptics are questioning whether this is an act of censorship, or compliance with military interests.

Google has previously disabled Maps Live Traffic in Ukraine during Russia’s Invasion

Both Google and Apple confirmed the deactivation is a response to the Israeli military’s anticipated ground invasion into Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had reportedly requested the tech giants to disable the live traffic feature, arguing it could expose troop movements to Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU.

This isn’t the first time the tech companies have acted this way. In 2022, Google similarly deactivated Maps’ live traffic data in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. The company cited the safety of locals as the rationale behind the decision, adding it had consulted Ukrainian authorities.

But these moves by Google and Apple raise ethical questions. On one hand, disabling the live traffic feature could protect lives by avoiding unintentional information leaks. On the other hand, some argue it deprives citizens of important information, thus restricting their freedom to access real-time updates that could be critical in conflict zones.

While users can still access basic route and ETA information, the removal of live data changes the landscape of these services. Is this a responsible act in volatile regions, or a potential slippery slope into censorship and selective information dissemination? With the world watching, the debate remains open.

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(Via)

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BYD is gearing up to deliver 100 electric buses to Israel by the end of next year. The company is shipping the large number of electric buses to the region to fulfill an order from a local firm.

According to electrive, the buses are being sent to Egged, the largest bus company in Israel. The company has ordered 100 fully electric 12 meter long buses that are made by the known Chinese automobile maker. These buses are scheduled to ship by the end of 2022 and will be used in Haifa, which is the third largest city of the country. Notably, this order marks the largest ever electric bus shipment till date to Israel. Furthermore, the order is also a part of a larger Israeli tender that is for a total of 200 buses. The company had even previously received an order from Nobina in Finland.

This is even supported by the national transport authority of the nation. Egged, which operates in the public transport sector has chosen BYD as its supplier and has been the Chinese brands customer since 2017. In the past, Egged had even placed an order for 24 electric buses in its fleet, which are currently operating in Haifa and Jerusalem as well. This order will further strengthen the electric transport fleet in the city, with the upcoming buses featuring an iron phosphate batteries that can offer a longer service life and increased energy density for a longer range over the previous generation.

Its battery has a 422 kWh of energy content and is expected to offer a total range of up to 400 kilometers. Egged’s official stated that “This is an important moment for the people of Israel and public transportation in our country. It is a clear signal of our commitment to transitioning to zero emission transportation for a better environment for Israeli residents. We have great confidence in BYD’s pure electric eBuses for providing our passengers with reliable, safe and comfortable transportation.”

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