The real-time traffic information service provided by the American technology corporation Alphabet in Ukraine through its Google map navigation software has been shut off in order to protect the population in the event of a Russian invasion, according to reports.

As a result of consultations with Ukrainian authorities, the company claimed it took the action in order to protect the local population.

With the help of Android smartphones, Google collects location data that is then used to identify traffic bottlenecks and other severe traffic challenges.

When it came to Ukraine, this made it feasible to watch in real time if civilians were being held up in traffic jams as they fled the onslaught of Russian forces.

In addition to shutting down traffic flows, Google also announced a slew of other initiatives last week.

Our emergency response team is actively following the conflict in Ukraine and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure the safety of our staff, users, and customers, according to a tweet from Google.

Google also gives technical assistance to Ukrainian websites in order to keep them safe from cyber threats.

In Ukraine, Alphabet did not block the major navigation features of Google Maps, as was previously reported.