Google Maps · Google Maps Platform Terms of Service

End User Terms Pass-Through Obligation

Medium severity
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What it is

Customer must ensure that its end users agree to terms of service that are consistent with these Terms and Google's Terms of Service, and that include, at a minimum, provisions regarding: (i) prohibited conduct, (ii) Google's ownership of Maps Platform Content, and (iii) limitations on use of the Maps Platform Content.

Why it matters

End users of developer applications are indirectly bound by Google's Maps Platform terms through the developer's required pass-through, extending Google's legal framework into consumer-facing applications without direct notice to consumers.

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 can investigate deceptive practices where consumer-facing apps fail to adequately disclose that their maps features are governed by Google's upstream terms and data practices.
    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-001926
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-001926
Captured: 2026-03-20 06:28:58 UTC | SHA-256: 6b3fc9132543f92a…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/google-maps/google-maps-platform-terms-of-service/end-user-terms-pass-through-obligation/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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