Issue of accidents caused by Google Maps echoed in Parliament, demand for making Indigenous model arose

During the budget session, a Google Map-guided incident issue in India was debated in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. BJP MP labeled it a serious issue and appealed to the government to deliberate and act in a concrete form.

During the Zero Hour, BJP Member of Parliament (MP) Ajit Madhav Rao Gopachhade raised the issue and stressed that the government will have to promote Indian startups or companies in an attempt to develop native Google Map models with India Space Research Organization (ISRO) or any institution.

Referring to recent incidents related to Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, the BJP MP said that, due to the inaccuracy of Google Maps in India, accidents are becoming a serious problem. He said that these incidents are an example of how excessive reliance on technical tools can sometimes lead to dangerous results, Google Maps information is not always correct and sometimes it can lead in the wrong direction and sometimes Google Maps information can be misleading.

He said that this will allow Indian companies to have maps and data designed specifically for their country, which will be customized according to local needs and context. He said the Government of India should seriously consider all these issues and take concrete steps so that indigenous things like Google Maps can be adopted.

The BJP member, referring to Section 43A of the IT Act, said that all entities need to take appropriate measures to ensure the security and accuracy of their users' data. This law also has a provision to make the victim liable to pay damages in the form of compensation.