German performance artist Simon Weckert makes virtual traffic jams with his tiny red cart full of phones

Google Maps Live Traffic works because of you. Every time you open up Google Maps for directions, you must agree to share your location with Google. In return, Google shows you how much traffic is in your area and gives you the best route to use.

Not only does Google know your location, if you keep Google Maps on, you also send speed data as well.

If Google sees dozens of cars crawling at 5 MPH on a street that normally you can drive 60 MPH on, Google “knows” the street is clogged with traffic and labels that street red.

Simon essentially “hacks” Google by fooling Google Maps into thinking there are literally 99 cars at walking speed wherever Simon is. This, in turn, shifts the traffic map from green into red thus affecting the potential directions people use.

“99 second hand smartphones are transported in a handcart to generate virtual traffic jam in Google Maps.Through this activity, it is possible to turn a green street red which has an impact in the physical world by navigating cars on another route to avoid being stuck in traffic.” #googlemapshacks

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