Google has argued that it has no responsibility to avoid directing users of its Maps platform through dangerous areas in response to an American couple attacked in Nyanga last year. (Witthaya Prasongsin/ Getty Images)

US tech giant Google has dismissed claims of its culpability by a US couple that was attacked in Nyanga last year while using its map platform.

Google claimed that it has no legal responsibility to help its users avoid routes through crime hotspots in its application to dismiss the case before it goes to trial. In its submission to a Californian court earlier this month, it argues that it does not have control over neighbourhoods, while it can’t simply not recommend travel in large urban areas without having a “profound” effect on them.

However, a mere three weeks after the attack on Jason and Katharine Zoladtz and 10 days after an attack on another US tourist, Google announced that it would be avoiding routes through Nyanga in a bid to protect its users.