Maps have always been a tool for exploration and navigation, but in the digital age, they’ve become something far more powerful.
Platforms like Google Maps and Yandex Maps offer incredible detail, providing everything from street-level views to aerial shots of remote areas.
While these tools are invaluable for everyday use, their accessibility also raises significant concerns about privacy and security, according to Ziare.
In a case that shows these tensions, a Russian court recently ordered Yandex to remove information about a major oil refinery from its mapping platform.
A Risk to National Security
The decision came after repeated Ukrainian drone attacks targeted the refinery in 2024, raising fears about the role publicly available data might play in such incidents.
The refinery, whose identity has not been disclosed, is a critical part of Russia’s energy infrastructure and has reportedly suffered four drone attacks last year.
Following these incidents, Russian authorities argued that the visibility of detailed images and descriptions on Yandex Maps posed a risk to national security.
The court’s ruling mandates the removal of photos and other specific details, such as images of workshops and compressor stations.
Officials claim that making such information accessible online could weaken the country's defensive capabilities, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate.
Yandex, a tech giant often dubbed "Russia's Google," has not commented on the court's decision.
The refinery initially sought to resolve the matter outside the courtroom but resorted to legal action when no agreement could be reached.
The case is part of a broader conversation about how digital tools are being used — and misused — in modern conflicts.
Platforms like Google Maps and Yandex Maps have long been praised for their accessibility and utility.
However, this accessibility also means that sensitive sites, such as military bases or industrial facilities, can be viewed by anyone with an internet connection.
