this post was submitted on 30 Dec 2023
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298
User reports Google Maps proposed a sponsored detour to a trip (paquita.masto.host)
submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by elfio@sh.itjust.works to c/technology@lemmy.world
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Original toot in Spanish says: "OK, so I need some alternatives to Google Maps, because I just decided seconds ago to stop using it after I got proposed a trip with a completely unnecessary detour which adds two extra minutes just because it pass by a gas station that sponsors this trip."

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[–] merc@sh.itjust.works 178 points 10 months ago (12 children)

The picture suggests that there was an ad that suggested a stop at the sponsored gas station, if the user clicked on the suggestion / ad, then the route would be modified.

IMO that's massively different than the detour being added by default. If they actually did / were doing that, it would be a huge scandal, but I don't think that's what's happening here. Instead, it's just an intrusive, annoying ad.

[–] oxf@lemmy.world 65 points 10 months ago (6 children)

Your story doesn't drive clicks though...

[–] elfio@sh.itjust.works 12 points 10 months ago (4 children)

Yeah, about 0% richer now compared with yesterday.

[–] wkk@lemmy.world 26 points 10 months ago (1 children)

You're right that this is not generating monetary gains

But it's generating outrage towards Google when what you accuse them of doing isn't the reality, that's pretty disingenuous

Not defending Google as a whole, but let's keep honest about the current developments

The day sponsored trips are the default is the day I'm dropping Maps

[–] elfio@sh.itjust.works 2 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

I see your point. I wanted to rely what someone else thought was interesting to share.

I've been tuning the title as other people here suggested improvements to it.

Apart from that, I didn't see the advert/proposed alternative route nor put the ad in there, so I never will be able to reflect the absolute truth. However, echoing this other person experience might lead to others being aware of the possibility. I'd be interested to know if someone else sees something similar.

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