Google Maps temporarily disables live traffic data in Ukraine 

Alphabet Inc.'s Google has temporarily disabled some Google Maps tools that provide live information about traffic conditions and how busy different places are in Ukraine. 

Google said it had taken the action of globally disabling the Google Maps traffic layer and live information on how busy places like stores and restaurants are in Ukraine for the safety of local communities in Ukraine—after consulting concerned authorities.

It is the fourth day of Russian President Vladimir Putin's all-out invasion of the country.  

Russian president Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine on February 24 and launched a large-scale invasion. As missiles fell on Ukrainian cities, nearly 400,000 civilians, mainly women and children, have fled into neighboring countries. 

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation." 

Big tech companies, including Google, have said they are taking new measures to protect users' security in the region.

Online services and social media sites have also been tapped by researchers piecing together activity around the war.

In the meantime, the company said that live traffic information remained available to drivers using its turn-by-turn navigation features in the area.