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SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to uphold the integrity of India’s territorial representation, Google has blocked access to MAPS.Me, a popular offline maps application, within the country. The app, which boasts over 50 million downloads from the Google Play Store, was found to inaccurately depict the boundaries of India, particularly in the sensitive regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The decision to block the app came after the Survey of India issued a notice in December to Google’s nodal officer, Priyadarshi Banerjee, under Section 79(3) (b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The notice highlighted that “It is evident that the subject map in the MAPS.Me app available at Google PlayStore depicts Indian map with erroneous external boundary of India which jeopardises the sovereignty and integrity of India.”

The contention primarily revolves around the depiction of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, regions at the heart of geopolitical disputes involving India, Pakistan, and China. Accurate mapping is not only a matter of national pride but also a significant aspect of security and international diplomacy. The Survey of India, responsible for mapping and surveying within the country, has been vigilant in ensuring that digital maps reflect the official stance of the Indian government on territorial boundaries.

The action taken by Google is in compliance with Section 79(3) (b) of the IT Act, which mandates intermediaries like Google to ensure that content hosted on their platforms does not violate any law. This includes the accurate representation of India’s geographical boundaries. The notice from the Survey of India pointed out specific inaccuracies in the depiction of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, areas where incorrect mapping could lead to diplomatic tensions or misinformation regarding India’s territorial claims.

MAPS.Me, known for its offline capabilities and user-friendly interface, has now been removed from the Google Play Store in India, affecting its availability to millions of users. This move underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in digital mapping services, where even minor inaccuracies can lead to significant repercussions.