Mexico has stepped into the digital spotlight with a unique geopolitical dispute involving one of the world's largest tech companies. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the Mexican government has filed a lawsuit against Google, citing the company’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" for U.S. users on its mapping services.
According to Sheinbaum, this move—originally prompted by a directive from former U.S. President Donald Trump at the beginning of his term—goes beyond a mere name change. It represents a dismissal of the sovereign rights of Mexico and other coastal nations like Cuba. The change took effect on February 10, when Google updated both its Maps application and web version. Apple soon followed suit, while other platforms like MapQuest resisted the adjustment.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum stated, "We cannot dictate how a state or a lake within another country is named. But no one has the right to rename the part of the Gulf that corresponds to Mexico or to Cuba. This is about defending our territory and our history."
Prior to taking legal action, the Mexican government had formally requested Google to revert the naming change. However, Cris Turner, Google’s VP of Public Policy and Government Affairs, responded in February that the company would not alter its course. This prompted Mexico to initiate legal proceedings.
The timing of the lawsuit is also noteworthy. Just days before, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that formally recognizes the name “Gulf of America,” aligning further with Trump’s previous push. Mexico’s legal move illustrates how issues of territorial identity and sovereignty are increasingly intersecting with the digital policies of global tech firms.