Google has responded to the concerns expressed by the Mexican government about the technology company's intention to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico on its maps. The company has shown its willingness to maintain a dialogue with Mexican authorities and has offered the possibility of organizing a meeting to address this issue.
In Google's response, it is highlighted that the platform maintains impartial and consistent policies regarding geographical names on its maps. In this sense, an adjustment has been made in the United States to reflect the updated name to "Gulf of America," following directives from that country’s Geographic Names Information System. However, in Mexico, the original name, "Golfo de México," will continue to be seen.
The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has expressed the country's position regarding this name change, noting that legal action will be taken if Google does not rectify its decision. Sheinbaum has emphasized that Mexico does not accept the renaming of any geographical area that is part of its territory and is under its jurisdiction, citing a decree issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In response to the letter sent by Google, the Mexican government has reiterated its disagreement with the proposed name change, arguing that the modification of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America only applies to a portion of the continental shelf belonging to the United States, and not to the gulf in its entirety.
In light of this situation, a response from Google to the communication sent by Mexican authorities is expected; otherwise, appropriate legal measures will be taken. President Sheinbaum has emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of geographical areas and has questioned the ethics of benefiting privately through governmental decisions, underscoring the need to separate economic and political spheres.
