Mexican Government Considers Lawsuit against Google over "Gulf of America" Name Change
Introduction
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Thursday that her government is assessing the possibility of filing a lawsuit against Google for its decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America on Google Maps. The move stems from an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, seeking to alter the name of the body of water.
Google’s Decision
Following President Trump’s executive order, Google modified its Google Maps application so that users within the United States would see the label "Gulf of America." Users outside the U.S. and Mexico would observe both the original "Gulf of Mexico" moniker and the new "Gulf of America" designation.
Mexico’s Objections
President Sheinbaum has vehemently criticized Google’s action, emphasizing that the Gulf of Mexico’s name has been globally recognized for centuries. She maintains that the White House decree cited by Google only applies to a portion of the Gulf, not the entire body of water.
Potential Legal Action
If diplomatic efforts fail, President Sheinbaum has indicated that Mexico may pursue a civil lawsuit against Google. She has instructed her legal team to explore the potential legal implications of such action but expressed the hope that Google would reconsider its decision.
FAA’s Acknowledgment
In addition to Google’s name change, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a charting notice, indicating that its systems would be updated to reflect the revised name for the Gulf of Mexico. The notice also included an acknowledgment of the name change for Mount McKinley in Alaska, now known as Denali.
Historical Context
The Gulf of Mexico has historically been referred to by its current name, deriving from sixteenth-century Spanish explorers who named it "Gulf of Mexico" after the Aztec name for their god of war. The proposed change is not the first attempt to alter the name; similar proposals have surfaced throughout history, but none have gained widespread acceptance.
International Recognition
The international community continues to utilize the term "Gulf of Mexico." The United Nations’ International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) maintains the official list of geographical names, and the Gulf of Mexico remains on that list under its current name.
Public Response
The name change has generated mixed reactions. Some individuals support the revision, viewing it as a reflection of the region’s historical ties to the United States. Others oppose the alteration, arguing that it disrespects the historical and cultural significance of the existing name.
Conclusion
The Mexican government’s consideration of a lawsuit against Google marks the latest development in a series of controversies surrounding the proposed name change for the Gulf of Mexico. While Google has implemented the change in its mapping application, the international community continues to recognize the body of water by its long-established name. The outcome of any potential legal action remains uncertain, but it underscores the ongoing discourse surrounding the Gulf’s historical and geographical significance.
