Users recently posted complaints about their inability to launch map directions from their location to Washington, D.C. using their iOS devices, prompting them to point an accusatory finger at Apple.
Apple lately became the subject of numerous lawsuits, which ranged from antitrust charges to accusations that it is hosting gambling apps to empty the pockets of users deliberately. While many of these cases are largely economic in nature, the most recent accusations hurled against the Cupertino-based tech giant appear to have some political color. Reports filed on Tuesday state that some users are accusing Apple of deliberately removing map directions from their current location to Washington, D.C. Instead of launching driving directions from a particular location in the US to the nation's capital, a message pops up informing them that map directions are "not available at this time because of current road conditions."
| Apple accused of censoring directions to Washington, D.C. | #iphone | #ios | #mobilesecurity https://t.co/KUN9ImtVYe — National Cyber Security (@NcsVentures) January 6, 2021
For the longest time, Apple, as a company, stands firm on its policy never to engage in political matters. While this policy might not cover its personnel or officers acting in their personal capacities, the official stand of the Cupertino tech giant is never to take sides in the country's politics. In its public policy advocacy page, Apple stated it does not make political contributions to parties or its candidates, nor does it have any political action committee (PAC). The company admitted it does make occasional contributions for ballot initiatives and measures, though each of these contributions needs the approval of CEO Tim Cook. This policy declaration, however, did not deter some users to accuse Apple of deliberately removing map directions from a particular location to Washington, D.C.
Rumors are rife about a massive rally that will be taking place in Washington, D.C. anytime this week. Talks about the holding of a rally in the nation's capital are reportedly drawing thousands who wanted to participate. According to reports, many of those who will be participating are coming from different states, with most of them turning to their devices for directions. To their dismay, however, their iOS devices showed them a message that the map direction is "not available at this time because of current road conditions" when they launched the direction-finder of the Apple Maps app. This prompted them to accuse Apple of removing map directions to Washington, D.C. in what they alleged is an attempt to prevent them from attending the rally.
Apple did not respond to the accusations. Some observers, on the other hand, said there is no reason to believe that the Cupertino tech giant did what the rally's participants accused the company of doing. Some say that since officials closed many roadways in the Washington, D.C. area as the city braces for the rally, this may have caused Apple Maps to inform users that its direction finder feature is "not available at this time because of current road conditions." Nevertheless, some users continued to accuse Apple of removing map directions to Washington, DC. to allegedly prevent them from attending the rally. Many believed it was a technical glitch as Apple Maps direction finder appears to be functioning normally again as of 5:20 p.m. Eastern Time.
