Google To Improve Spam Detection After Google Maps Prank

Earlier today we reported that it was spotted on Google Maps the Android mascot taking a leak on the Apple logo. It is unclear how it got there and it is speculated that it might be a user upload by the name of “nitricboy”, at least according to his profile on Map Maker. That being said the prank was done in bad taste and while Google might enjoy the occasional jab at Apple, even they felt it was too far.

So much so that the company has since apologized for it and promised to handle spam on its Map Maker better in the future. “Handling spam is a complex issue and we’re continuously working on ways to improve our systems, including new ways of preventing, detecting and taking down incorrect edits. We’re sorry for this inappropriate user-created content; we’re working to remove it quickly.”

For those unfamiliar, Map Maker is an online tool that allows users to upload information onto Google Maps. The idea is that users will be able to add detailed information in for locations that Google might not have much information about just yet. That being said, it seems that this isn’t nitricboy’s first rodeo.

According to reports on Hacker News, it seems that in the past nitricboy has been responsible for adding other designs to Google Maps, such as the Skype logo and a happy face. We’re not sure if Google plans to ban his account but it’ll probably not be too hard to create a new one and start posting again.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Web
Tags: Google, Google Maps