It controversially updated the Gulf's name for US users after President Trump ordered it to be changed.

Summary

Google Maps has blocked reviews for the Gulf of Mexico after backlash over renaming it “Gulf of America” for U.S. users, following a Trump executive order.

Critics accused Google of censorship after it removed negative reviews. Google defended the move, citing policies against off-topic content.

Mexico’s President Sheinbaum opposed the change and may take legal action. Apple Maps also adopted the new name.

The controversy adds to concerns over tech companies aligning with Trump, following Meta’s rollback of fact-checking and diversity initiatives.

    • zqps@sh.itjust.works
      2·
      4 days ago

      The dataset (“what you have on it”) and the quality of navigation are two very different things. For the first you can help directly to address it, for example with the app StreetComplete.

    • bitwolf@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      1·
      4 days ago

      I am in a more remote area. Coverage is good in towns but not on residential streets.

      I use StreetComplete as I walk around new areas and try to fill things in. It gamifies it a little bit with “quests” but you can do your own thing.

      Its great seeing the fast feedback loop into Organic Maps at the next update.