Google has pinned the embarrassing discovery of an Android mascot peeing on the Apple logo within Google Maps on one of its volunteer community editors.
Earlier on Friday the provocative image poking fun at Google’s bitter rivals was spotted within Maps somewhere over Pakistan.
While many assumed it was the act of a combative Google engineer, the firm says it’s actually the work of a Map Maker editor.
Google lets the public update Google Maps in order to keep up with local knowledge, but the addition of this and other unsanctioned images apparently escaped the attention of the firm’s review and moderation teams.
In a statement given to the Washington Post, Google spokesperson Mara Harris explained: “
“We also learn from these issues, and we’re constantly improving how we detect, prevent and handle bad edits.”
Harris said the vast majority of Map Maker helpers offer “great contributions.”
Following the embarrassing incident it seems Google will probably be a little more thorough when checking user-submitted updates.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.