Google Maps has long been accused of downplaying the disputed status of Western Sahara, a vast mineral-rich territory claimed by Morocco but backed by the pro-independence Polisario Front. The issue came to light recently after media reports highlighted the discrepancy in Google's map display.
According to a statement from Google, it has always displayed the border between Western Sahara and Morocco differently depending on the user's location. While users outside of Morocco can see both territories with a dotted line indicating the disputed status, those using Maps within Morocco are shown without Western Sahara or any indication of its disputed border.
This raises questions about Google's role in promoting Moroccan claims over those of the Polisario Front. The UN security council had previously called for talks between Morocco, Algeria, and the Polisario Front to reach a broad agreement on the territory's status.
In 2007, the Moroccan government initially proposed autonomy for Western Sahara under its sole sovereignty, but this plan has been met with resistance from the Polisario Front. The plan was reportedly backed by US President Donald Trump's administration in an attempt to resolve the long-standing dispute.
Google's decision to display the border differently depending on the user's location appears to be a reflection of its broader policy of not showing disputed territories when they are claimed by a country with which it has a close relationship. However, this approach has also been criticized for perpetuating Morocco's claims over Western Sahara and failing to acknowledge the territory's disputed status.
The move has sparked criticism from human rights groups and advocacy organizations, who argue that Google's actions may be seen as complicit in Morocco's efforts to suppress the Polisario Front's claim. As tensions between Morocco and Algeria continue to rise, it remains to be seen how Western Sahara will ultimately be resolved.
According to a statement from Google, it has always displayed the border between Western Sahara and Morocco differently depending on the user's location. While users outside of Morocco can see both territories with a dotted line indicating the disputed status, those using Maps within Morocco are shown without Western Sahara or any indication of its disputed border.
This raises questions about Google's role in promoting Moroccan claims over those of the Polisario Front. The UN security council had previously called for talks between Morocco, Algeria, and the Polisario Front to reach a broad agreement on the territory's status.
In 2007, the Moroccan government initially proposed autonomy for Western Sahara under its sole sovereignty, but this plan has been met with resistance from the Polisario Front. The plan was reportedly backed by US President Donald Trump's administration in an attempt to resolve the long-standing dispute.
Google's decision to display the border differently depending on the user's location appears to be a reflection of its broader policy of not showing disputed territories when they are claimed by a country with which it has a close relationship. However, this approach has also been criticized for perpetuating Morocco's claims over Western Sahara and failing to acknowledge the territory's disputed status.
The move has sparked criticism from human rights groups and advocacy organizations, who argue that Google's actions may be seen as complicit in Morocco's efforts to suppress the Polisario Front's claim. As tensions between Morocco and Algeria continue to rise, it remains to be seen how Western Sahara will ultimately be resolved.
. I mean, you'd think they'd at least try to show both sides of the story, but nope, they're more concerned with showing respect to Morocco 
. It's like they're perpetuating this whole narrative that Morocco is the only one who cares about Western Sahara.
. Still, you'd think they could find a way to show both sides without being seen as taking sides.
. The Polisario Front has been fighting for Western Sahara's independence for years, and it's not like Morocco is exactly being generous with its offer of autonomy 
. So, yeah, Google's decision might be a small thing, but it's still part of the bigger picture.
i mean its all well when u r outside morocco but once u step foot in the country it just disappears like magic 
cant believe theyre perpetuating morcos claims like that 
i get that they dont wanna rock the boat with algiers but come on google we need more nuance here 
i mean its 2025 and weve got way better mapping tools than this 
... IT JUST FEELS LIKE GOOGLE IS PUTTING MORE PRESSURE ON THE POLISARIO FRONT TO GET WHAT THEY WANT, RATHER THAN TRYING TO FIND A FAIR SOLUTION FOR EVERYBODY INVOLVED 
It's like they're taking sides or something... Morocco can just claim whatever they want and Google won't say anything? 
What if people think Morocco is trying to erase its neighbors? 
I'm all for fairness and equal representation on maps, you know?
It's like they're perpetuating a narrative that ignores half the story. What if users outside of Morocco are already aware of the situation? Don't they deserve accurate info too?