Recommendation

Caution

Overall Summary

Suspicious

Why we think so

maps.me is an offline map and navigation app with over 700,000 monthly visits, mainly from Russia. It uses reliable infrastructure like Amazon AWS and Google technology. The site supports multiple languages and offers contact emails publicly. Its domain has been active since 2008 with a valid SSL certificate and secure DNS servers. Recent news reports mention it as a notable alternative to Google Maps. However, user reviews cite performance slowdowns, limited navigation features, and increasing ads. In late 2024, the app was removed from Indian app stores over disputed map boundary depictions. There is no evidence of scam activity or blacklisting. Overall, maps.me is a recognized app with trustworthy technical foundations but with some usability complaints and geopolitical controversies.

Confidence Score

73%

Risk Insights

🛡️

Reliable Technical Foundation

Uses Amazon AWS hosting and Google services

Valid SSL certificate with current expiry

Multi-language support with global reach

⚠️

Usability and Reputation Issues

User reports cite app slowdowns and crashes

Increased advertising frustrates users

Navigation features lack some advanced options

🚫

Legal Controversy Affecting Availability

Removed from Indian app stores in December 2024

Issue was map boundary misrepresentation

Potential regional access restrictions

Contradictory Signals

maps.me benefits from reliable hosting but faces reputational and legal headwinds

Signal A: Strong technical infrastructure and domain longevity

Signal B: User complaints and app removals indicate trust and usability challenges

Category Scores

Identity 80/100

Reputation 65/100

Technical 85/100

Content 75/100

Legal 40/100

Business Validity 70/100

Red Flags & Warnings

Removal from Indian app stores due to disputed map content affecting legal compliance.
User complaints about increasing advertisements and reduced functionality frustrate experience.

🔎 Detailed Checks & Analysis

Domain age and registration

Score: 90/100

Passed

"The domain uses Amazon AWS infrastructure with stable DNS servers; WHOIS data is properly redacted for privacy."

Reason: Domain has been registered since 2008 and is properly maintained with valid SSL.

Technical hosting and infrastructure

Score: 85/100

Passed

"Technology includes Amazon Route53 DNS, Cloudinary CDN, Google Analytics, which are common for trustworthy sites."

Reason: Hosted on reliable Amazon services and uses Google technologies for analytics and search.

Traffic and audience metrics

Score: 75/100

Passed

"Traffic sources include direct and search with moderate referral and social traffic."

Reason: The domain receives over 700,000 monthly visits, mostly from Russian Federation, indicating solid usage.

Presence on scam or blacklist

Score: 100/100

Passed

"No matches found in crypto scam database or Google Safe Browsing flagged threats."

Reason: No evidence of scam activity or blacklisting on crypto or Google Safe Browsing threat lists.

Trademark and brand impersonation risks

Score: 80/100

Passed

"Related 'MAPS' trademarks exist but are unrelated to this app or cause no identifiable risk."

Reason: No USPTO trademark conflicts found directly with the 'maps.me' brand.

User reviews and app reputation

Score: 50/100

Failed

"Reports of degraded bookmark systems, navigation deficiencies, and monetization annoyances."

Reason: Numerous user complaints about app stability, slowed performance, and increased ads lowering satisfaction.

Legal compliance and disputes

Score: 30/100

Failed

"This may affect availability and trust in regions with geopolitical sensitivity."

Reason: The app was removed from Indian stores due to legal issues with map boundary depiction, raising compliance concerns.

Your Next Steps

1

If considering using maps.me, be aware of reported app performance and usability limitations.
2

Check the latest availability status in your region, since app store removals have occurred.
3

Verify map boundary accuracy especially if you require precise geopolitical data for your use case.
4

Monitor official sources for updates on the app's compliance with regional laws.

Evidence & Citations

maps.me site info from SimilarTech
Shows technology stack, traffic rank, and global monthly visits.
Maps.me user reviews and complaints
Includes detailed user feedback on app stability and features.
Maps.me Indian app store removal details
Reports on government-mandated removal over map boundary issues.
WHOIS and SSL certificate details for maps.me
Domain registration data and SSL certificate validity.

🕵🏻 Keep investigating

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