Google Maps is restoring the names of locations in Poland that were changed to offensive alternatives

Google Maps is the default way that millions around the world get around and do research on locations, but an apparent attack on the names of Google Maps locations in Poland has left offensive and vulgar names in place.

Over the past few weeks, locations in Poland such as landmarks, government offices, and more have been renamed with vulgar or offensive labels. Polish news network TVPWorld reported on the matter, with examples including the Presidential Palace being renamed “Hooligans’ Palace,” the Warsaw Uprising Museum becoming “Museum of the Third Reich Uprising,” and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier becoming “Tomb of the Known SS Soldier.” Screenshots of some of the altered names were shared on social media.

The exact reason for the mass re-labeling of these locations is unclear, but it’s clear it’s not supposed to be happening.

Speaking to TVPWorld, Google explained that it is “continuously removing inappropriate names assigned to many locations in Poland on Google Maps” and blocking responsible accounts. It seems that this is an abuse of Google Maps’ ability to accept community edits, though it’s not clear how these changes – especially in such quantity – are slipping past Google’s moderation.

Google has been actively fixing these, with many locations back to normal.

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Thanks for the tip RKBDI!