Mexico threatens legal action against #Google for renaming the Gulf on maps
The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has expressed strong opposition to Google's renaming of the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" on its Maps platform for US-based users. This change aligns with an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, which decreed the renaming of the Gulf. Houston Chronicle +10 The Express Tribune +10 Latin Times +10 El PaÃs +4 Condé Nast Traveler +4 JURIST +4
President Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico will pursue legal action against Google if the company does not revert to the original name. She emphasized that the Gulf of Mexico's name has been internationally recognized since 1607 and is acknowledged by the United Nations. She also noted that the US does not have the authority to unilaterally rename the entire body of water, especially considering that Mexico controls 49% of the Gulf, the US 46%, and Cuba 5%. Latin Times +1 Global News +1 Newsweek +1 Wikipedia +1 Latin Times +2 DIE WELT +2 El PaÃs +2
In response, Google has stated that its naming conventions are based on official government sources and that the change reflects updates from the US Board on Geographic Names. The company has indicated that the displayed name varies depending on the user's location and other data. TechSpot +2 Newsweek +2 Condé Nast Traveler +2
The dispute has garnered international attention, with various media outlets and political figures weighing in on the matter. The controversy underscores the complexities of geopolitical naming conventions and the influence of digital platforms in representing such information. Houston Chronicle
