Google Translate Disclaimer and Terms of Use

Navigating the Maryland Transit Administration Translation Disclaimer

For non-English speakers relying on automated digital tools to access website content, a new administrative notice clarifies exactly where liability lies when machine translations misfire. The Maryland Department of Information Technology has published an extensive disclaimer regarding the use of Google Translate across its digital properties, establishing strict boundaries for users accessing services in Spanish and Simplified or Traditional Chinese.

State officials emphasize that because Google Translate operates as an independent third-party service, the state exercises zero direct control over the quality, accuracy, or performance of the output generated for site visitors.

Understanding the Limits of Automated State Portals

Users engaging with translated schedules, notices, or service alerts on Maryland state websites encounter a mandatory notification warning them that they are leaving the primary domain. According to the state’s documented policy, automated tools frequently struggle with specific file formats, including PDF documents and graphic files such as JPEGs or GIFs.

The state explicitly notes that translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or free from inappropriate terminology. Consequently, the Maryland Department of Information Technology assumes no liability for any financial loss, data misinterpretation, or service disruptions arising from a commuter’s reliance on translated text.

The Official Stand on Authoritative Records

In legal and practical terms, the state maintains a single standard for official accuracy. The policy states clearly that the original English content provided directly by the agency remains the sole authoritative version in all contexts.

While the translation tools are provided strictly as a convenience for non-English-speaking residents, travelers requiring absolute precision regarding transit operations, policy changes, or system updates are advised to consult the English-language source documents directly or utilize verified alternative interpretation methods.