Google Maps Platform Terms of Service

This document governs access to and use of Google Maps Platform APIs and related services, operating under a framework that incorporates the Google Cloud Platform Terms of Service by reference and applies to developers and businesses integrating mapping, routing, and location data capabilities into their applications. The agreement states that customers must comply with Google Maps Platform usage policies, the Acceptable Use Policy, and applicable Maps Platform-specific restrictions including prohibitions on caching map data beyond permitted periods, restrictions on displaying Maps content outside of Google-approved interfaces, and requirements to display Google attribution. Notable provisions include restrictions that prohibit using Maps Platform data to compete with Google Maps products, limitations on combining Maps content with non-Google mapping data, and constraints on bulk downloading, scraping, or pre-fetching geographic data beyond what the API explicitly permits, which are operationally distinct from general API terms of service and create material restrictions on derivative product development. The agreement engages frameworks including GDPR and CCPA as they apply to location and usage data collected via API interactions, with enforcement authority potentially vested in the FTC for US users and data protection authorities in EU member states, though applicability depends on the customer's specific processing activities and jurisdiction. Compliance teams should note that the Maps Platform terms layer atop the broader Google Cloud contractual framework, meaning obligations from both documents may apply simultaneously, and customers building commercial location-based services must carefully evaluate the competitive use restrictions and data portability limitations.