Due to a series of instances of severe Map Maker spam attacks, Google has decided to temporarily halt its users being able to edit Google Maps. Google Maps is a popular travel tool, but a user with what was supposed to be a strong reputation has apparently caused several problems through a Map Maker spam attack.
Google reports that their Map Maker tool, which is supposed to be used by travelers to give users new data for updating Google Maps, has been pranked through a bunch of instances of a Map Maker spam attack. For instance, one of the most embarrassing of the Map Maker spam attack pranks was the submission of the Android logo peeing on the Apple logo, which appeared in the popular Google Map Maker travel app last month.
Automatic Updates Allowed for Trusted Google Maps Editors
Google was using a system that allowed for automated edits and updates by power mappers that had already built up a trust factor in the Map Maker app. However, even with this system in place, someone was able to make a Map Maker spam attack. The urinating prank was actually made by one of the trusted power mappers, so Google decided the only way to stop the problem was to suspend the editing process that was previously allowed in the Google Maps Map Maker travel app.
At first, Google tried to approve map updates manually, but there were too many submissions to go through, so they introduced the suspension until they determine a method of stopping a future Map Maker spam attack. This means that there will not be any mapping edits or updates until Google can figure out how to stop the attacks from happening. However, Google officials say that once a fix is in place, they intend on resuming the ability to edit in the Map Maker app.
Map Maker Spam Attack Troublesome, Delays New Updates for Customers
The Map Maker spam attack on the popular travel app is very troublesome for Google, as well as frustrating for frequent travelers, since there will not be any map updates until they find a way to block future attacks. These were the only ways that Google Maps stayed current, and since no editing is allowed now, people will have to travel by relying on older information.
Once the editing feature is reinstated, Google says that it will likely result in a longer process of approval after an edit is submitted. Map Maker is a Web-based app that previously permitted users to edit Google Maps, including data for not just roads, but also for parks, railroads, bike routes, etc. Now, due to the Map Maker spam attack users will have to be patient until the edits can start being made again.
