Mexico Considers Legal Action Against Google Over Gulf Naming Dispute

The ongoing dispute regarding the naming of the Gulf of Mexico has escalated, with Mexico contemplating legal action against Google. President Claudia Sheinbaum has emphasized the significance of the traditional name, stating that her government may proceed with a lawsuit if Google continues to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of America.

This controversy intensified following a recent executive order from former U.S. President Donald Trump, which mandated the use of 'Gulf of America' for the region. The naming displayed on Google Maps now varies according to the user's location; users in the United States see the updated name, while those in Mexico still view 'Gulf of Mexico'. In several other regions, the traditional name appears first, with the new designation shown in parentheses.

In response, Google has indicated that it adheres to a long-standing practice of aligning its geographical names with government mandates. Despite sending a formal communication to Google asserting that the entire Gulf cannot be renamed, the company has maintained its current naming strategy.

Sheinbaum has defended the name 'Gulf of Mexico', highlighting its historical use dating back to 1607. She humorously referenced that North America was once referred to as 'Mexican America' in a previous iteration of the Mexican constitution, suggesting that Google might also consider adopting this term in its maps.

Geopolitical naming disputes are not a new phenomenon, as evidenced by the differing names for the river that forms part of the border between Texas and Mexico. While it is known as the Rio Bravo in Mexico, it is referred to as the Rio Grande in the United States.