This analysis describes what Google Maps's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The updated terms add a new liability carve-out stating that Google cannot contractually exclude or limit its liability for customer breaches of usage or license restrictions in the agreement. This means if a customer violates how they are permitted to use Google Maps Platform, Google retains full liability exposure for damages resulting from that breach. The change affects the contractual liability allocation between Google and customers using the platform.
View change record →The updated terms establish a broader definition of activities that are subject to heightened restrictions under the Google Maps Platform Terms of Service. Previously, the definition enumerated specific high-risk categories. The revised language now encompasses any use case where service failure could reasonably be expected to result in death, serious personal injury, or severe environmental or property damage, and explicitly identifies weaponry as a restricted application. Developers and organizations using Google Maps for restricted purposes should review their use cases against the new definition to ensure continued compliance.
View change record →How other platforms handle this
Any legal action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in New York County, New York, USA...
the parties consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the state and Federal courts located in San Francisco, California
it shall be adjudicated exclusively by the state and federal courts located in San Francisco County, California.
"All claims arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be governed by laws of India, excluding that state's conflict of laws rules, and will be litigated exclusively in the courts of New Delhi; the parties consent to exclusive jurisdiction in those courts.Excerpt from Google Maps's Platform Terms of Service
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The clause states: “All claims arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be governed by laws of India, excluding that state's conflict of laws rules, and will be litigated exclusively in the courts of New Delhi; the parties consent to exclusive jurisdiction in those courts.”
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 266 platforms. See the full comparison.
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