Google says machine learning is good for Maps, bad for scammers

When it comes to finding your way around, Google Maps is one of the world’s best apps to do it with. Barring Apple Maps, it’s really got no competition. Its prominent positioning on Android devices as well as constant feature additions have played a big part of Maps’ longevity. But what keeps the data on the app as accurate as it is are the user contributions that come in all the time — be it reviews or photos or speed trap spotters. But, as with any field of user-submitted content, it can be a scammers’ playground full of shady links, non-existent businesses, or worse. The Google Maps team is now offering some details on what goes on behind the scenes to detect scammy content, usually before it even goes up.