Mexico threatens to sue Google over a controversial name change on Google Maps, sparking a heated debate over territorial identity. The Mexican government has warned the tech giant to correct the labeling of the Gulf of Mexico or face legal action.
Why Is Mexico Threatening to Sue Google?
The dispute began when Google renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for users in the United States. This change followed an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2025.
According to the order, the name Gulf of America applies only to the part of the Gulf within the U.S. continental shelf. However, Google extended the new name across the entire Gulf for U.S. users, including waters belonging to Mexico and Cuba.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded strongly, saying Google has no authority to rename international waters. She emphasized that Trump’s order only applies to U.S. waters—not to areas under Mexican or Cuban jurisdiction.
Mexico’s Legal Threat to Google
Mexico threatens to sue Google unless it reverses the name change. President Sheinbaum confirmed that her government sent a formal letter to Google, demanding the restoration of Gulf of Mexico on all parts of the map outside U.S. waters.
“If they do not correct this, we will take legal action,” Sheinbaum stated. The government argues that renaming the entire Gulf could mislead users and undermine Mexico’s territorial rights.
Google responded, saying:
- Mexican users will continue to see ‘Gulf of Mexico.’
- U.S. users will see ‘Gulf of America.’
- Users in other countries will see both names.
Despite this, Mexico insists that any reference to Gulf of America should be limited to the U.S. continental shelf.
Apple Also Uses “Gulf of America”
Google is not the only company adopting the new name. Apple Maps has also updated its U.S. maps to reflect Gulf of America, following Trump’s directive.
This change raises concerns about how tech companies influence geographic and political perceptions. Experts argue that digital maps play a crucial role in shaping global understanding of territories.
What’s Next After Mexico Threatens to Sue Google?
Mexico is awaiting Google’s response before moving forward with legal action. The Mexican government has made it clear that it will not tolerate name changes that affect its territorial integrity.
If Google does not comply, Mexico could take the case to an international court, setting a precedent for how tech companies handle geopolitical disputes.
