Mexico demands correction after Google renames Gulf of Mexico, raising concerns over unauthorized territorial designation. (Image credit: Google Earth)
MEXICO CITY (EPICSTORIAN )— The Mexican government is considering legal action against Google if the tech company continues to display “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico” on maps viewed in the United States.
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the renaming misrepresents geographical boundaries, arguing that the change extends beyond U.S. jurisdiction.
Sheinbaum addressed the issue in a press conference, emphasizing that Google’s labeling disregards international agreements. “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,” she said, referring to former U.S.
President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the portion of the gulf under American control. “We do not agree with this, and the Foreign Minister has sent a new letter addressing the issue.”
Concerns over the renaming surfaced last week after Google adjusted the name for U.S.-based users of its mapping services.
According to the company, the change followed its standard practice of updating names based on official government sources. Users in Mexico still see “Gulf of Mexico” on the platform, while others worldwide see both names.
A statement from Google reaffirmed the company’s stance. “As we first announced two weeks ago, and consistent with our product policies, we’ve begun rolling out changes in Google Maps. People using Maps in Mexico will continue to see ‘Gulf of Mexico,’” the letter read.
The dispute escalated after Sheinbaum reiterated that Trump’s 2024 decree only applied to waters within 22 nautical miles of the U.S. coastline, not the entire Gulf. Mexico’s government asserts that any broader application of the new name lacks legal standing.
A formal protest was first issued in January when Mexico’s Foreign Ministry sent an official complaint to Google, demanding an explanation for the update. The government insists that any reference to the “Gulf of America” should be limited strictly to U.S. territorial waters.
Also Read: Tennessee Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Wife on Fiji Honeymoon
Mexico is now awaiting Google’s response before deciding on legal action. Sheinbaum stated that if the company does not adjust the labeling, the government will explore legal avenues to challenge what it considers an unauthorized alteration of a geographic designation.
