Google prepares to rename geographic features in the U.S.
Google, the technology giant, has announced its readiness to update the names of geographic features on its maps, including the Gulf of Mexico and Denali Mountain, but only after official changes have been implemented by the U.S. government, reports NewsBox.
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump initiated the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to "The Gulf of America" and Denali Mountain to "Mount McKinley." These changes sparked significant reactions because Denali, along with its current name, holds deep historical roots for the indigenous peoples of Alaska, according to The Associated Press.
Google stated it would follow the updates reflected in the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, an official database containing over a million entries.
"We adhere to the policy of renaming labels on Google Maps only after changes have been made in official sources," emphasized company representatives.
Denali Mountain, known as the tallest peak in North America, was renamed "Mount McKinley" in honor of the 25th U.S. president, William McKinley, at the end of the 19th century. However, in 2015, President Barack Obama's administration restored the historic name Denali, which was positively received by the native peoples of Alaska.
The Gulf of Mexico, bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, has held its current name for over 400 years. However, the idea of renaming it to "The Gulf of America" became part of the Trump administration's political agenda.
Renaming geographical features always involves debates touching historical, cultural, and political dimensions. In this case, the changes will reflect not only U.S. domestic policy but also international relations with neighboring countries.
As with Denali Mountain, the future of the Gulf of Mexico's name will depend on balancing history, cultural traditions, and political decisions. For now, Google continues to monitor developments, maintaining a neutral stance while awaiting directives from official institutions.