In a recent post on Google’s official blog, Senior Project Manager Kevin Reece explained how the tech giant evaluates user-generated content on its Maps platform. Mr. Reece also revealed how many submissions Google Maps deleted in 2019.

According to Reece, users sent about 7 billion submissions to Google Maps in 2019. In addition to reviews, these contributions include location photos, answers to user-generated questions, and updated business information (e.g., store hours, closures, and location changes).

To sort through all of this data, Google uses a combination of advanced algorithms and manual editing. First, submissions have to pass through sophisticated machine learning technologies that scan for inaccurate information and potentially offensive content. As a second layer of security, Google employees review questionable content and delete whatever they deem unfit for their site.

Thanks to advances in machine learning technology, Reece says Google got rid of over 75 million reviews and 4 million phony company profiles in 2019. Within this same year, Google Maps deleted about 10 million photos and 3 million videos that were either offensive or not relevant.

As you might already know, Google Maps also allows users to report inappropriate content using the flag icon. Reece claims this flagging system helped remove around 580,000 reviews and 258,000 business accounts in 2019.

Interestingly, most of the content users send to Google Maps meets the company’s standards for accuracy, appropriateness, and trustworthiness. Only about one percent of total submissions to Google Maps go against the company’s policies.

Anyone who would like to read more about Google Maps’ screening process could find the original post on this link. You could also learn more about Google Maps’ submission guidelines on this support page.

Eric
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On March 11, 2020   /   Google My Business   /   Leave a comment

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