Google Maps Sparks Controversy with 'Disputed' Ceuta and Melilla Borders

Google Maps has sparked controversy in Spain after marking the borders of Ceuta and Melilla as 'disputed' with a gray dashed line. This convention is used for territories where there is a sovereignty/boundary disagreement between two or more states.

The representation predates the recent migration crisis, which saw tens of thousands of people swim across the border from Morocco to Ceuta on July 30-31. Screenshots of the map spread quickly on social media, with many users interpreting it as Google's reaction to the crisis.

However, this reading is incorrect. The dashed line has been in place since at least May 2020, and Google has not altered its representation of the borders since then. According to the company, it uses its convention to indicate the existence of a sovereignty/boundary disagreement rather than adjudicate it.