TikTok Tests New Review Feature Amid Google Maps Controversy

As TikTok continues to enhance its search experience, the popular social network is testing a new feature that showcases reviews for specific locations directly within the comments section of videos. This innovative addition, which aims to streamline user interaction, eliminates the need for users to conduct separate searches or open Google when they encounter a place on TikTok and wish to learn more about it.

On April 15, 2025, TikTok users who have access to this feature will notice a new "Reviews" tab appearing on the right side after they click to view a video's comments. For example, if a user comes across a video featuring Central Park in New York City, where the creator has tagged the location, they will be able to see star ratings from other users, their written reviews, and any uploaded photos related to the site.

Furthermore, users can click on a reviewer's username to visit their TikTok profile, adding a layer of interactivity that distinguishes this feature from an earlier integration with Google Maps, which was marked with a Google Maps icon. While some may welcome this new feature as a valuable addition, others might argue that it clutters the user experience when consuming content.

This move is part of TikTok's ongoing efforts to expand its search capabilities and compete directly with Google. According to a Google executive in 2022, TikTok has been encroaching on Google's core services, particularly Search and Maps, especially among younger demographics. Fast forward to today, and TikTok has indeed emerged as a significant player in place searches, particularly for Generation Z.

In addition to the new reviews feature, TikTok introduced image search capabilities last year, allowing users to upload photos or take pictures to find similar products available in TikTok Shop. This feature has further solidified TikTok's position as a go-to platform for product discovery.

Moreover, in September 2024, TikTok began allowing advertisers to target its search results page through "TikTok Search Ads Campaigns," a keyword-based solution designed to display brands' advertisements in search results. However, it remains unclear if TikTok plans to roll out the reviews tab more broadly, as the company has not commented on the feature's future availability.

In a separate development, recent updates to Google Maps have sparked controversy after labeling waters near the Philippines in the South China Sea as the "West Philippine Sea." On April 15, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that the South China Sea has long been recognized as an internationally accepted name by the global community, including the United Nations and various international organizations.

Previously, users had to specifically search for "West Philippine Sea" to see this designation on Google Maps. However, recent observations indicate that the map now directly refers to the waters near the Philippines as the "West Philippine Sea," including the disputed Scarborough Shoal within this designation. Regions to the north and west of the "West Philippine Sea" remain labeled as the South China Sea on the map.

China has reiterated its stance on the issue, asserting that the name "South China Sea" is widely accepted and used internationally, warning that any changes to this naming could exacerbate tensions in already sensitive areas.

In a lighter vein, Emma Corrin, known for their role in the latest season of Black Mirror, expressed their fondness for Google Maps during a special edition of ELLE UK's "Ask Me Anything." Corrin revealed that Google Maps is their most prized app, highlighting features like Street View and the ability to star locations. "I like Google Maps. I'm just going to come out and say it: I love it. It's nice," they stated with a smile.

During the interview, Corrin shared a recent experience in Tokyo, where a friend transferred all their starred places to Corrin's phone, showcasing the app's functionality and social aspects. As an actor in the episode "Hotel Reverie," which explores how AI could change cinema, Corrin's thoughts on technology and its implications resonate with the current discourse surrounding digital advancements.

Meanwhile, concerns over privacy and security related to Google Maps have prompted many users to consider how to blur their homes on the platform. With detailed imagery of residential areas available for public viewing, homeowners may feel vulnerable to potential burglaries or intrusions. To address these concerns, Google provides a feature that allows users to blur their homes on Google Maps.

To blur their house, users must follow a simple six-step process, which includes accessing Google Maps through a web browser, finding their home on Street View, and reporting a problem. Google requires users to provide an email address for communication regarding their request, which may take up to six months to process.

While the blurring feature is not available on the Google Maps mobile app, it allows users to protect their privacy by obscuring not only their homes but also faces, license plates, and other identifiable information. This feature is crucial for individuals concerned about their security, especially in today's interconnected world.

In contrast, Apple Maps does not currently offer a self-service blurring option. Users must contact [email protected] to request a specific address to be blurred, providing a clear explanation of their privacy concerns.

Overall, the growing emphasis on privacy and security in the digital age underscores the importance of understanding how to manage one's online presence. As technologies like Google Maps and TikTok evolve, users must remain vigilant about their privacy and take proactive steps to safeguard their information.