MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico is waiting for Google to respond to its request to restore the name “Gulf of Mexico” on Google Maps. If Google does not comply, the country may take legal action.
President Claudia Sheinbaum shared a letter from Cris Turner, Google’s vice president of government affairs. In the letter, Turner stated that Google will not change its policy after former U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the body of water as the “Gulf of America.”
Currently, Google Maps shows different names for the gulf: “Gulf of America” in the U.S., “Gulf of Mexico” in Mexico, and both names elsewhere. Turner mentioned that Google aims to use “longstanding maps policies consistently across all regions” and expressed openness to a meeting with Mexican officials.
Mexico believes this mapping policy disrespects its sovereignty since the U.S. only controls about 46% of the Gulf. The remaining area is governed by Mexico (49%) and Cuba (5%). The name “Gulf of Mexico” has been in use since 1607 and is recognized by the United Nations.
Mexican authorities responded firmly, stating that they will not accept the renaming of a geographic area under their jurisdiction. This dispute has increased tensions between Mexico and the U.S. during a sensitive time in their relations.
Amid threats of tariffs from Trump and concerns about deportations, Sheinbaum is trying to maintain a careful balance. She also announced that Mexico and the U.S. will hold high-level discussions this week focusing on trade and security to reinforce their collaboration.
The renaming issue has also sparked controversy in the U.S. Last week, the White House restricted access for Associated Press reporters from several events, including those in the Oval Office, citing the agency’s stance on the naming dispute. The AP uses “Gulf of Mexico” to ensure global recognition but acknowledges Trump’s terminology.
Other media organizations, such as the White House Correspondents’ Organization and the New York Times, have expressed concerns about press freedom, emphasizing the importance of accurate geographic representation.
Source link
Mexico, Donald Trump, Alphabet, Inc., Gulf of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, United States government, Mexico government, Government policy, General news, United States, Engineering, Associated Press, Legal proceedings, Politics, Technology, Cris Turner, World news, Business, United States Congress
