Google Maps has made another update. The company announced yesterday that its US maps will now show "Gulf of America" and "Mount McKinley." Today, reports say Google has also added the US to its list of "sensitive" countries. This classification is usually given to places with strict governments or border disputes, including China, Russia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.
Google on in latest added the United States to its list of “sensitive countries,” which already includes nations like China, Russia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. This classification is typically used for countries with strict governance or unresolved territorial disputes.
The decision came after the Trump administration introduced changes to official geographic names, which influenced Google’s approach to labeling in its Maps service. On January 27, Google updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” following updates from U.S. government sources.
In addition, Google changed the name of Alaska’s Denali back to “Mount McKinley.” These updates align with executive orders signed by President Trump after he took office as the 47th President. Trump had promised during his campaign to restore these traditional names, making good on that pledge soon after assuming office.
According to a Google spokesperson, the “sensitive country” designation is a technical setting used internally. It applies to countries with unique geographic features or where special considerations are needed for place names. This system allows Google to adapt labels to reflect local and global expectations.
The inclusion of the United States and Mexico on this list highlights the complex balancing act global companies face. As tech firms like Google navigate political changes, they must also maintain consistency and neutrality in their services worldwide.