Google Maps earlier this week stirred controversy. The tech giant announced that it had agreed to accept the Trump administration's directive to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America.’ The administration has recently made many efforts to change the geographical name, prompting diplomatic reactions from Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly came out strongly against this decision, calling for Google to reconsider its step. Yesterday, during a Thursday press conference, Sheinbaum presented a letter to the tech giant.
She argued that the Trump administration lacks legal authority to alter the name of the Gulf of Mexico. Sheinbaum further emphasized that the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea only allows nations to claim sovereign territory up to 12 nautical miles off their coastlines.
Sheinbaum elaborated that the ‘Gulf of America’ term may be used in the territorial waters of the United States. However, the overall body of water should continue being referred to as the Gulf of Mexico. She pleaded with Google not to acquiesce simply to ‘the mandate of a country,’ driving home that to Mexico and indeed to the world at large, the body of water will still be the Gulf of Mexico.
Google has agreed to the US government's demand, but it is doing so in a manner that takes into account regional sentiments. For instance, users in Mexico will still see ‘Gulf of Mexico’ on Google Maps, while American users will see ‘Gulf of America.’ The rest of the world will see both names side by side, creating a unique compromise that respects global sensitivity.
In her letter, Sheinbaum also used the chance to propose other modifications to Google Maps. Among these was the inclusion of the term ‘Mexican America,’ a reference to a 1607 historical map in which the land of the US was referred to as ’America Mexicana.’ Whether Google will take up any of these recommendations is unclear. However, it again underscores Mexico's irritation with external powers dictating new nomenclature.
This incident underscores the growing influence of geopolitical dynamics on digital platforms. Globaltech companies are navigating the complex intersection of national interests, sovereignty, and digital power. Thus, the naming of geographical locations becomes a powerful symbol of authority.
Google has historically been cautious, accommodating regional preferences and changes. However, tensions will arise when powerful countries use tech companies to promote their agendas.