Google has launched new disease surveillance maps through the World Health Organization. These maps show how diseases spread in different parts of the world. The tool uses Google’s mobility data to track where people go and how often they move. This helps health experts see possible outbreaks before they grow.
(Google’s WHO Disease Surveillance Maps Depend on Google Mobility Data.)
The mobility data comes from users who let Google save their location history. It shows trends like visits to parks, transit stations, or retail areas. The data is grouped and made anonymous so no one can be identified. WHO uses this information to understand how movement might affect disease transmission.
Public health teams can now see real-time changes in how people move. If more people start gathering in certain places, it could signal a higher risk of infection. The maps update regularly and cover many countries. They are part of a larger effort to make outbreak response faster and smarter.
Google says this project builds on work it started during the pandemic. Back then, mobility reports helped governments decide on lockdowns and other measures. Now, the same kind of data supports global health monitoring. WHO officials say the tool fills a gap in early warning systems, especially in places with limited health infrastructure.
(Google’s WHO Disease Surveillance Maps Depend on Google Mobility Data.)
The collaboration shows how tech companies and health organizations can work together. Data that was once used for maps and traffic updates now helps save lives. Users do not need to do anything extra. If they already share location data with Google, it may help power these public health tools. All data stays protected and follows strict privacy rules.