Screenshot: Snapchat
Anti-semitic vandalism has turned New York City into “Jewtropolis” on a number of online platforms, including Snapchat, CitiBike, and StreetEasy. The problem appears to stem from the mapping software that the platforms are using, called Mapbox, which pulls data from OpenStreetMap.
A tweet by Snapchat Support explained that, “Snap Map relies on third party mapping data which has unfortunately been subject to vandalism.”
Snapchat said in the tweet that they’re working with Mapbox, the company responsible for Snapchat’s maps along with a host of others, to “get this fixed immediately.”
The vandalism appears to be visible for some Snapchat users, while others can’t see it. Zooming in and out on the map seems to make it switch between New York and “Jewtropolis.” Both Snapchat and Mapbox did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
There has been a noted rise in anti-semitic vandalism both online and in the real world, fueled by the rise of the so-called alt-right. Alt-right ideology is closely aligned with neo-Nazism, though adherents often reject the Nazi label despite sharing hatred of nonwhite people and often Jews.
Gizmodo will update this article as we learn more about the mapping vandalism.
Update, 10:22am: Snapchat just sent a statement to Gizmodo:
Snap Map, similar to other apps, relies on third party mapping data from OpenStreetMap, which unfortunately has been vandalized. This defacement is deeply offensive and entirely contrary to our values, and we want to apologize to any members of our community who saw it. We are working with our partner Mapbox to fix this as quickly as possible.