## Mexico Takes Legal Action Against Google Over "Gulf of America" Label Mexico has initiated a lawsuit against tech giant Google for altering the name of the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" on its mapping services for U.S. users. The controversial name change was reportedly implemented by Google following an executive order by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the lawsuit on a Friday, though specific details of the legal filing were not immediately provided during her daily press briefing. This legal challenge marks an escalation in Mexico's efforts to preserve the traditional and internationally recognized name of the body of water. ### Background of the Dispute The core of the issue lies in a decision made during Donald Trump's presidency to rename the Gulf of Mexico. Google subsequently updated its Maps platform to reflect this change for users in the United States, labeling the waters as the "Gulf of America." Prior to filing the lawsuit, Mexico's Foreign Relations Ministry had reportedly sent multiple letters to Google, urging the company not to implement the name change and to revert to the established "Gulf of Mexico" label, particularly concerning Mexican territorial waters. President Sheinbaum shared that Google's Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Cris Turner, had previously responded to Mexico, indicating that the company had no plans to alter its policy regarding the name. ### Legislative Moves in the U.S. Adding another layer to the controversy, CBS News reported that the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on a Thursday that would codify the "Gulf of America" name change into law. This legislative action in the U.S. further solidifies the American stance on the name, directly contrasting with Mexico's position. Mexico argues that the U.S. does not possess the unilateral authority to rename the entire Gulf, emphasizing that such naming conventions are typically matters of international attribution and consensus. ### Google's Response and Broader Implications As of the initial reports, Google had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The company's decision to align its U.S. maps with the Trump administration's executive order has drawn criticism, particularly from Mexico, which views the name "Gulf of Mexico" as integral to its national identity and sovereignty over its territorial waters. The lawsuit highlights the complex intersection of technology, international relations, and national sovereignty. The outcome could have significant implications for how international geographical features are named and displayed on global digital platforms. Residents in U.S. Gulf states have reportedly expressed mixed reactions, with some applauding the name change initiated by Trump, as noted by Fox News. Mexico remains hopeful that Google will reconsider its stance. "We are going to wait. We are already seeing, observing what this would mean from the perspective of legal advice, but we hope that they will make a revision," Sheinbaum had stated previously. The international community will be watching closely as this legal battle unfolds.
