Microsoft has revised location labels on its digital mapping services, replacing Israeli designations in the occupied West Bank with internationally recognised terminology, according to a report by Anadolu Agency citing an Arab rights organisation.
The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, also known as 7amleh, confirmed the update in a recent statement. The organisation said Microsoft applied the changes across its platforms, including the Bing search engine. Previously, some locations in the West Bank appeared under the label “Judea and Samaria, Israel.” Now, the company identifies these areas simply as the “West Bank.”
The term “Judea and Samaria” is widely used by Israeli authorities; however, it differs from language recognised under international law. Global legal frameworks regard the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation. The area remains central to discussions surrounding a future Palestinian state.
According to 7amleh, the update marks a significant shift in how major technology platforms present contested geography. Lama Nazeeh, the organisation’s advocacy manager, described the move as a necessary correction. She added that digital platforms carry responsibility in shaping public understanding of geopolitical realities.
Furthermore, Nazeeh urged other technology companies to follow similar practices. She warned that inaccurate or politically charged labels risk contributing to what she described as the “digital erasure” of Palestinian identity and geography.
The development highlights growing scrutiny over how global tech firms handle sensitive geopolitical issues. As digital maps increasingly influence perception and navigation, such changes may carry broader political and social implications.
