In a bold legal move, the Mexican government has filed a lawsuit against Google, demanding the tech giant restore the official name of the Gulf of Mexico on its digital maps. This action comes after Google altered the designation to "Gulf of America," a change that has sparked significant controversy and diplomatic tension.
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the lawsuit during her regular morning press conference on May 9, 2025. She emphasized that the federal government is seeking compliance with a decree issued by the United States government, which recognizes the Gulf of Mexico as its official name. "What we are asking is for Google to comply with what the U.S. government approved; that is all we want," Sheinbaum stated.
The controversy traces back to a decree signed by former President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, which officially changed the name in U.S. territories. This decree was recently supported by the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed a bill to solidify the new nomenclature. Sheinbaum pointed out that while the U.S. can dictate its own territorial names, the name change should not extend to the entirety of the Gulf, which is recognized by both nations.
"They can only name the part of the territory of the United States," Sheinbaum clarified, making it clear that her government expects Google to adhere to this understanding in its mapping services. The president also noted that the issue was not discussed in her recent conversation with Trump, indicating a lack of diplomatic resolution to the matter.
The lawsuit targets Google's modification of the geographic designation specifically in areas corresponding to Mexican territory. Sheinbaum has previously sent two letters to Google questioning the company's decision and threatening legal action if the name is not restored. "Google is already being sued," she stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
As of now, Google has not publicly responded to the lawsuit or the preliminary resolution issued by Mexican authorities. The company has faced similar scrutiny from other tech giants, including Apple, which also changed the name in its maps for U.S. users.
This legal battle underscores the complexities of international relations and the influence of digital platforms in shaping geographic perceptions. The Mexican government is adamant about protecting its national identity and is utilizing legal avenues to assert its stance against what it perceives as an infringement on its sovereignty.
In a rather ironic twist, Sheinbaum suggested that if the U.S. can rename the Gulf, it might as well refer to itself as "Mexican America," drawing on historical maps from the 17th century when much of the western U.S. was part of Mexico. This comment reflects the deep-seated historical grievances that often surface in discussions about territorial names and national identity.
The lawsuit is not just about a name; it represents a broader struggle over cultural recognition and respect in the digital age. Maps are more than just navigational tools; they are powerful symbols of national identity and heritage. By altering the name of the Gulf, critics argue that companies like Google and Apple are participating in a narrative that undermines Mexico's historical claims to the region.
As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Google responds to the legal challenges posed by the Mexican government. Will the tech giant comply with the demands, or will it stand by its decision to adopt the new nomenclature? The outcome could have significant implications for how digital platforms manage geographic information and respond to international legal disputes.
The Mexican government remains steadfast in its position, insisting that the name must be restored in line with both Mexican and U.S. governmental recognition. The situation is still developing, and as of May 9, 2025, the world watches closely to see how this legal battle will play out.
