In a rapidly escalating diplomatic dispute, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that her government is considering a civil lawsuit against Google. This action responds to Google’s decision to rename the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America” on its platforms for U.S. users, following an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump. Sheinbaum contends that this change infringes upon Mexico’s sovereignty and disregards internationally recognized nomenclature. She emphasizes that the Gulf of Mexico has been a historically recognized body of water, and the unilateral change by Google undermines the geographical and political significance of the region.
President Trump signed Executive Order 14172, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” on January 20, 2025. This executive order directed the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America within U.S. federal communications and maps. The order aimed to “restore American pride” and reflect the Gulf’s significance to the nation’s economy and heritage. In response, major tech companies, including Google, Apple, and others, updated their maps to reflect the new name for U.S. users, while users in Mexico and other regions continue to see the traditional “Gulf of Mexico.”
Mexico’s government quickly denounced the change, with Sheinbaum arguing that the renaming affects more than just the United States, as it extends beyond the country’s territorial waters. She insists that Google’s decision to implement the name change globally, even though it applies solely to U.S. jurisdictions, is a violation of Mexico’s territorial integrity. The name change also covers the waters shared between Mexico, Cuba, and the U.S., which are part of a significant portion of the Gulf region. Sheinbaum has requested that Google revert to the original name and has made it clear that her administration is preparing for legal action if the company does not comply.
Google, in response, defended its actions, citing a long-standing policy of updating names on its maps based on official government sources. The company has also stated that it has complied with U.S. law by adhering to the President’s executive order. Google has not yet indicated any plans to reverse the change despite the protests from Mexico’s government and other international stakeholders.
The situation has sparked tensions between the United States and Mexico, with diplomatic repercussions for both countries. Sheinbaum’s government argues that this unilateral move by the U.S. is an overreach and undermines Mexico’s sovereignty. The name change could also affect international relations, particularly between the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, and impact trade, tourism, and environmental policy in the region.
As the diplomatic and legal dispute unfolds, international observers are keeping a close watch on the situation. The outcome could set a precedent for how technology companies respond to governmental directives that have broader geographical implications. The Mexican government has made it clear that it will not back down in its demand for the restoration of the traditional name and is prepared to take Google to court if necessary.
Sources:
- apnews.com
- theguardian.com
- nypost.com
- thetimes.co.uk
- nymag.com
- theguardian.com
- houstonchronicle.com
- reuters.com
- cnn.com
- whitehouse.gov
