Google has denied that it altered its Maps service to remove the border between Western Sahara and Morocco for users in the latter country. The tech giant’s statement follows media reports that highlighted a discrepancy in how the border is displayed depending on the user’s location. According to Google, the different border displays have always been in place, reflecting the company’s longstanding policies for disputed regions.
Users outside of Morocco see Western Sahara and a dotted line representing its disputed border, while those in Morocco do not see Western Sahara at all. Google says this policy has been in effect for some time and that it has not made any changes to its Maps service regarding Morocco or Western Sahara.
The disputed territory, a former Spanish colony, is largely controlled by Morocco but has been claimed for decades by the pro‑independence Polisario Front. The issue has resurfaced after the United Nations Security Council endorsed a Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara. The plan, first presented by Rabat in 2007, proposes that Western Sahara would enjoy autonomy under Morocco’s sole sovereignty. The council had previously urged Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania to resume talks to reach a broad agreement.
Western Sahara is a vast, mineral‑rich territory, and the dispute over its status has persisted for decades. The UN Security Council’s resolution, supported by the U.S. administration, is seen as a significant development in the long‑running conflict. Google’s statement clarifies that its Maps service reflects a neutral stance on disputed territories, with the display of borders and labels following established policies.
The development highlights the complexities of representing disputed territories on digital platforms, as companies like Google must balance geopolitical sensitivities with the need to provide accurate, unbiased information. As the situation in Western Sahara continues to evolve, how digital platforms depict the territory is likely to remain a point of interest for observers and stakeholders.
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