Global search engine “Google” has ignited a storm of criticism and discontent on social media platforms following its removal of the name “Palestine” from its electronic maps. Users and bloggers expressed their intense anger at this action, considering it a disregard for historical facts and international law, and an escalation of the debate over whether this change represents manipulation of political reality or merely a routine technical update.
Tweeters sharply criticized, especially under the hashtag #FreePalestine, Google’s move, describing it as a blatant violation of international laws and norms that recognize the borders of the State of Palestine under United Nations resolutions. It is noted that Security Council resolutions, such as Resolution 242 issued after the 1967 war, affirm the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state on the territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
In an attempt to justify this action, Google issued an official statement asserting that “areas with disputed borders” are displayed using dotted grey boundary lines to provide an objective representation of these areas. The company emphasized that its mapping methodology has not undergone any change, stressing its reliance on reliable information from international mapping organizations to adjust the boundaries of disputed areas.
However, this explanation did not gain widespread acceptance among many activists and politicians, some of whom argued that the decision to hide the name of Palestine from Google Maps reflects a clear bias towards the Israeli narrative and contradicts the principles of international law, especially since many countries around the world recognize Palestine as a sovereign state on the territories occupied by Israel in the 1967 war.
Google spokesperson Elizabeth Davidoff had previously stated that the company has never used the name “Palestine” on its maps, noting that the current debate is not new and dates back to previous positions. She added that “Google” displays the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with dotted lines to indicate that these areas do not enjoy international recognition as final and fixed borders.
For his part, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki announced that the Palestinian government would respond to this step by taking legal action at both the international and local levels, noting that “Google” and “Apple” have not complied with international resolutions that recognize Palestine as a state with internationally recognized borders.
In a notable development, other technology companies, such as Russia’s “Yandex,” announced their firm commitment to clearly including the name of Palestine on their maps, raising deeper questions about the impact of the decisions of giant technology companies on shaping global geographical and political perceptions.
The heated debate continues regarding the growing role played by major technology companies in drawing the world’s maps, and how these maps can affect public understanding of sensitive political issues. It has become clear that the influence of technology extends beyond merely providing digital services, reaching the shaping of our awareness and understanding of the complex global reality.
