In early February 2025, following an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump, Google Maps updated its labeling of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” for users in the United States. This change was part of a broader initiative to standardize geographic names in U.S. territories.
Mexico’s Response
The renaming has sparked significant controversy, particularly in Mexico. President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed strong disapproval, asserting that the Gulf of Mexico is a shared body of water among the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. She emphasized that the U.S. executive order should apply only to American territorial waters and not to the entire Gulf. President Sheinbaum stated, “Mexico will take Google to court if maps shown to U.S.-based users continue to label the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America across the entire body of water.”
Google’s Position
In response, Google has maintained its stance, citing its policy of adhering to official government sources for geographic names. The company has proposed a meeting with Mexican officials to discuss the matter further. However, Google has indicated that it will not alter its naming policy.
Potential Legal Action
President Sheinbaum has warned that if Google does not revert to the original “Gulf of Mexico” designation for the entire Gulf, Mexico may proceed with legal action. She stated, “Under no circumstances will Mexico accept a renaming that affects its national territory.”
Implications
This dispute highlights the complexities of international relations in the digital age, where global platforms like Google Maps play a significant role in the representation of geographic information. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how digital platforms navigate national sovereignty and international agreements concerning geographic names.
