Google Maps Blocks Reviews for "Gulf of America" Amid Backlash Over Name Change

Google Maps Blocks Reviews for "Gulf of America" Amid Backlash Over Name Change

Google Maps has taken action to mitigate the fallout from its recent decision to display "Gulf of America" alongside "Gulf of Mexico" for US users. Faced with a wave of negative reviews protesting the change, Google has disabled new reviews for the location and appears to be deleting existing ones. This move highlights the tension between adhering to official naming conventions and responding to user feedback, and raises questions about the platform's role in shaping geographical perception. The Naming Controversy: A Clash of Perspectives The controversy stems from a recent update to Google Maps' data, reflecting changes made by the US government. The "Gulf of Mexico" is now officially referred to as the "Gulf of America" within the United States. Google, citing its policy of aligning with officially recognized names within specific regions, implemented this change. Consequently, US users now see "Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)&q…