Walter Fischera 55-year-old American tourist from Connecticut, becomes a symbol of the controversy over the safety of GPS-suggested routes after being seriously injured in an attack after following directions from Google Maps.
The unfortunate event highlights the risks inherent in relying on navigation technology in unknown regions and the urgency of updating these tools to avoid leading travelers into dangerous areas.
What happened to Walter Fischel with Google Maps?
Fischel, looking to get to Hermanus for whale watching, rented a car and relied on Google Maps to guide him from the Cape Town airport in South Africa. However, the app led him through Nyanga, known as the country’s “murder capital,” an area where South African police typically enter only armed.
Stuck in traffic, Fischel was ambushed by a group of armed men who opened the doors of his vehicle, shot him in the face and fled with his belongings, including all his money and passport.
According to local media The South African, Fischel had to undergo facial surgery and lost several teeth as a result of the attack. Despite his injuries, he managed to recover at a local hospital and is now raising funds to return to the United States.
Google’s reaction
Following this and other incidents, Google Maps removed the route through Nyanga from its system, in an attempt to prevent future attacks on tourists. This change comes after a British surgeon was murdered in similar circumstances in the same area.
In accordance with The Independentthe U.S. ambassador to South Africa issued an advisory on the use of GPS apps like Google Maps, urging travelers to research their routes in advance, stay on main roads, and avoid shortcuts through troublesome areas.
Fischel’s case highlights the critical importance of ensuring user safety by tech companies, especially when their services can direct people through high-risk areas.
Furthermore, it highlights the need for tourists to exercise greater caution and conduct prior research when traveling.
Editorial Team The editorial team of EMPRENDEDOR.com, which for more than 27 years has worked to promote entrepreneurship.