Mexico Awaits Google's Response on Gulf of Mexico Naming Dispute Before Legal Action

AP Mexico is currently awaiting a fresh response from Google regarding its request to revert the name Gulf of Mexico on Google Maps. This comes before potentially pursuing legal action. President Claudia Sheinbaum shared a letter from Cris Turner, Google's vice-president of government affairs and public policy, which stated that Google would maintain its current naming policy following US President Donald Trump's declaration of the Gulf of America.

Representative image

Google Maps displays the gulf as Gulf of America within the US, Gulf of Mexico within Mexico, and both names elsewhere. Turner explained that the company adheres to longstanding map policies impartially and consistently across all regions. He also expressed willingness to meet with Mexican officials. "While international treaties and conventions are not intended to regulate how private mapping providers represent geographic features, it is our consistent policy to consult multiple authoritative sources to provide the most up-to-date and accurate representation of the world," he wrote.

Mexico's Sovereignty Concerns

Mexico argues that this mapping policy infringes on its sovereignty since the US only controls about 46% of the Gulf. The remaining portions are under Mexican control at 49% and Cuban control at approximately 5%. The name Gulf of Mexico dates back to 1607 and is recognised by the United Nations. In response to Google's letter, Mexican authorities have stated they will pursue legal action, asserting that Mexico will not accept any renaming of a geographic area within its jurisdiction.

The renaming by Trump has heightened tensions between Mexico and the US during a critical period for both nations. Sheinbaum has had to navigate carefully amid threats of tariffs, while Mexico and other Latin American countries brace for potential mass deportations, which have yet to fully materialise.

Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Tensions

In addition to the legal challenge against Google, the Mexican president announced upcoming high-level meetings between Mexico and the US focused on trade and security. These discussions aim to sustain long-term collaboration between the two countries. This latest round of talks seeks to prevent a larger geopolitical crisis.

The renaming issue has also sparked controversy within the US. Last week, AP reporters were barred from several White House events, including some in the Oval Office, due to their stance on the naming policy. The AP uses Gulf of Mexico for global recognition while acknowledging Trump's renaming.

Other media organisations like the White House Correspondents Organization and The New York Times have joined AP in expressing concerns over press freedom violations related to this issue.