Google Maps users who access the service without logging into an account or in incognito mode are encountering drastic functionality limitations. The American tech giant has begun implementing a so-called restricted view, which hides key data such as reviews, place ratings, and photo galleries. This change is controversial as it forces internet users to give up anonymity in exchange for full access to information about local attractions and dining.
Block on Reviews and Photos
Logged-out users lose access to reviews and photo galleries in searched locations, seeing only basic contact and address data.
End of Anonymity in Maps
The new restricted view forces internet users to use a Google account, preventing anonymous searching for attractions and service points.
Purpose of Changes from Mountain View
The introduced limitations likely aim to increase the number of logged-in individuals, making it easier for the corporation to collect data on consumer behavior.
In mid-February 2026, users of Google Maps worldwide began reporting significant changes in how the platform functions. People using the service anonymously – without logging into a profile or via incognito mode – now see a much poorer version of the service. Google has decided to introduce a mechanism of restricted results, which makes the interface incomplete. From the profiles of searched points, reviews disappear, detailed ratings given by other internet users, and photo galleries. Such action drastically reduces the utility value of the application, especially in tourist scenarios and planning restaurant visits. Initially, Google Maps was a simple navigation tool, but over the last decade it has evolved into an extensive social platform, gathering billions of user photos and reviews.Experts indicate that this move may be an attempt to increase the number of logged-in users for better advertising data profiling. Officially, the giant from Mountain View has not announced these changes as a permanent part of policy, which suggests they may be large-scale A/B tests. Nevertheless, the scale of the phenomenon is large enough to have sparked lively discussion on forums such as Reddit. Users complain that Maps are becoming useless for people who value privacy, because without access to visual and textual verification of places, the service loses its advantage over the competition. Currently, the only way to restore full functionality is to log into a personal account, which automatically involves sharing location history. 2.5 mld — people worldwide use Google Maps services monthlyThe consequences of this decision could be far-reaching for local businesses. Limiting the visibility of positive reviews for logged-out internet users may affect tourist traffic and the number of new customers in establishments. Furthermore, this change fits into a broader technological trend where access to free tools is increasingly dependent on sharing personal data. If this solution is implemented permanently, it may prompt some users to seek alternatives in the form of open-source maps like OpenStreetMap.