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There's an Android robot urinating on the Apple logo in Google Maps

There's an Android robot urinating on the Apple logo in Google Maps

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And, no, it's definitely not a crop circle

By James Vincent, a senior reporter who has covered AI, robotics, and more for eight years at The Verge.

Via Cult of Android | Source Google Maps

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Google Maps

We can't explain it but we're certain someone will have to. For unknown reasons, Google Maps now contains a cartoon of Android's robot mascot relieving itself on the Apple logo. The image, found near the city of Rawalpindi in Pakistan, was first spotted by Cult of Android and at the time of writing is still — unbelievably — live.

The image seems to have been user generated through the Map Maker function, which allows users to contribute local knowledge to Google Maps. In this case, that meant the suspiciously shaped pattern of grass appeared in Maps without Google realizing the meaning behind it. "We’re sorry for this inappropriate user-created content," Google said in a statement to The Washington Post. "We’re working to remove it quickly."

The same image zoomed out a little more. (Google Maps)

This isn't the only instance of Map Maker abuse. As The Guardian points out, just a mile or so to the east, buried in a patch of green in the map layer, you can see the words "Google review policy is crap" next to a frowny-face.

A week and a half ago there was also the mysterious appearance of Edward Snowden in the White House — or, at least, a business listing for a snowboard shop named "Edward's Snow Den" with the location changed to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Whatever's going on, it looks like Google Maps needs to get a grip on its territory.

Google Maps

★★★

4/24 12:24pm ET: Updated with statement from Google.

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