"Google Maps scraping" is a common approach for B2B lead generation — and a legally gray area. The question is not whether to use Google Maps data, but how. There's a crucial difference between scraping and API use.
What is scraping?
Scraping means automatically extracting data from websites without permission — typically via bots that simulate browser behavior. For Google Maps, this means extracting addresses, phone numbers, and ratings from the map interface.
Why Google Maps scraping is problematic
- Violates Google Terms of Service — can lead to IP blocks and account termination
- Legally questionable — unauthorized use of database content may violate copyright
- Technically fragile — Google actively blocks scraping attempts
- Data quality issues — scraped data is often incomplete or outdated
The legal alternative: Official Google Places API
Google offers official API access to the same data — with full terms of service compliance, reliable availability, and clean data structure. The cost: $0 for the first $200/month in credits (covers thousands of searches).
Key advantages over scraping:
- Terms-compliant data use
- Stable, documented API
- Better data quality
- No risk of blocks
Practical recommendation
Never scrape Google Maps. Use the official Places API instead. It's free for typical SME use cases, legally sound, and provides better data. anilead.io uses exclusively the official API — your leads are compliant from day one.