Google Maps · Google Maps Platform Terms of Service

Anti-Competitive Use Prohibition

High severity
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What it is

Customer will not use the Google Maps Core Services to create a Maps application that is a substitute for or substantially similar to Google Maps or Google Earth.

Why it matters

This clause prevents developers from using Google's own infrastructure and data to build a rival mapping service, effectively locking them into Google's ecosystem.

Consumer impact

Developers and businesses using Google Maps APIs are bound by strict content display rules, anti-competitive use restrictions, and Google's unilateral right to alter or terminate services. End consumers using apps built on Maps APIs may have their location data processed under Google's data policies, with limited transparency about how that data flows between app developers and Google. You can review Google's Maps Platform Privacy Notice at https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/privacy to understand what data Google collects when Maps APIs are embedded in third-party apps.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC has enforcement authority over unfair methods of competition under FTC Act Section 5, which can apply to restrictive API terms from dominant platform providers.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Google Maps Platform Terms of Service
Entity
Google Maps
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 20, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-001921
Document ID
CA-D-00324
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
6b3fc9132543f92a0d6e87edb75a218ea1e3c5adb602f1a194b2b81c84dc02d6
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Google Maps | Document: Google Maps Platform Terms of Service | Record: CA-P-001921
Captured: 2026-03-20 06:28:58 UTC | SHA-256: 6b3fc9132543f92a…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/google-maps/google-maps-platform-terms-of-service/anti-competitive-use-prohibition/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
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