Mexico has threatened legal action against Google over its decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" for US-based users of Google Maps. The change, initiated by a decree from former US President Donald Trump, has sparked controversy and diplomatic tension between the neighboring countries.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico argues that the renaming should only apply to the area within U.S. jurisdiction. Mexico continues to view the entire body of water as the Gulf of Mexico and has expressed its willingness to pursue legal action if Google does not rectify what it sees as an inaccurate representation.
Google announced the change two weeks ago, stating that it aligns with their product policies. They have begun updating Google Maps to reflect the new name for users in the United States. However, Google has assured that users in Mexico will continue to see "Gulf of Mexico" on their maps.
“As we first announced two weeks ago, and consistent with our product policies, we’ve begun rolling out changes in Google Maps. We would like to confirm that people using Maps in Mexico will continue to see ‘Gulf of Mexico,’” – Google
President Sheinbaum has been vocal about her opposition, emphasizing that Trump's decree should not affect regions beyond the US continental shelf.
“Any extension beyond that zone exceeds the authority of any national government or private entity. Should that be the case, the Government of Mexico will take the appropriate legal actions as deemed necessary,” – Claudia Sheinbaum
The Mexican government sent a letter to Google in January contesting the decision. Although Google responded by clarifying the scope of the changes, President Sheinbaum read Google's response during a recent press conference and reiterated her stance against Google's actions.
“What Google is doing here is changing the name of the continental shelf of Mexico and Cuba, which has nothing to do with Trump’s decree, which applied only to the US continental shelf,” – Claudia Sheinbaum
Sheinbaum first threatened legal action last week, suggesting that a civil suit could be considered if Google does not amend what she described as an "inaccurate designation." CNN has reached out to Google for further comment on the issue, which has been ongoing for several weeks.
