Is Google Maps Withholding ‘Scenic Route’ Option for Racist Reasons? – VINnews

A family from North Carolina has filed a lawsuit against Google for negligence after a man died while following Google Maps instructions and driving off a collapsed bridge. The family claims that Google was informed of the collapse but did not update its navigation system. The lack of a “scenic route” option on Google Maps has sparked controversy, with a former employee suggesting that it could be due to unintentionally diverting foot traffic from low-income areas to high-income areas, potentially draining revenue from struggling communities. The former employee, Kasey Klimes, who worked as a senior UX researcher for Google Maps between 2017 and 2021, stated that adding “scenic” variables to the system could create bias that directs users through high-income areas with beautiful architecture or tree-lined streets. This bias could inadvertently divert pedestrian traffic away from low-income streets, impacting struggling communities. Google has responded to these claims by stating that they have launched features to help users understand routes and find scenic areas, such as Immersive View and the ability to search for scenic spots along the way. The company maintains that Klimes’ views do not reflect their product decisions and that they will continue working on features to enhance user experience in the future.

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https://vinnews.com/2024/06/18/google-maps-does-not-offer-scenic-route-because-its-racist/