Google Maps Policy Adjustment Sparks Controversy Over Gulf of Mexico Label Change

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2025-02-12

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Trump renamed the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America," and Alaska's highest peak, Denali, was changed to "Mount McKinley." He argued that these name changes were part of "restoring Americans' pride in America's great history."

Recently, users noticed that the Gulf of Mexico label on Google Maps appeared to have been removed, sparking widespread attention and discussion. Media reports suggest that this change might align with the policy direction of former U.S. President Donald Trump, further fueling speculation.

A Google spokesperson responded, stating that the company does not adjust map labels for political reasons, and that all geographic names and boundaries are based on official data and international standards. The spokesperson emphasized, "Our map information comes from various authoritative sources and is continuously updated based on the latest data. Any changes in labels are driven by technical and data accuracy considerations, not political motives."

However, some experts believe this move could be linked to the U.S. government's geographical policy direction. Scholars point out that during Trump's presidency, the U.S. government frequently adjusted official maps to emphasize America's influence in certain regions. Some analysts argue that if Google's changes align with such policies, it could potentially lead to international diplomatic disputes.

The Mexican government has expressed concern over the issue and stated that it will inquire with Google about the specific reasons behind the change. Mexican Foreign Ministry officials emphasized, "The Gulf of Mexico's geographical, historical, and economic importance cannot be overlooked, and we hope Google can provide a clear explanation to ensure the accuracy of the information." Currently, Google has not responded further regarding whether it will restore the Gulf of Mexico label.