Google's maps division has reclassified the United States as a "sensitive country," placing it alongside nations such as China, Russia, and Israel. This move, announced on Monday, reflects Google's response to recent geopolitical developments and the complexities faced by technology companies during the Trump administration. Internal correspondence reviewed by CNBC reveals that this reclassification is part of a broader technical configuration, indicating that certain labels within the U.S. will differ from those in other countries.
The decision to include the United States and Mexico in Google's list of sensitive countries marks a significant shift in how the tech giant navigates international naming conventions. This list, according to Google, comprises countries with "unique geometry or unique labeling." The reclassification follows President Donald Trump's announcement to rename geographic features on official maps and federal communications, including changing the name of the body of water between the Yucatan and Florida peninsulas to the "Gulf of America."
"We've received a few questions about naming within Google Maps," – Google
Google's maps division swiftly acted on this directive, instructing team members to urgently update the location name and recategorize the U.S. from "non-sensitive" to "sensitive." This adjustment acknowledges the geopolitical nuances similar to those seen in the Persian Gulf, where Google Maps displays it as the Arabian Gulf in Arab countries.
"We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources." – Google
The reclassification illustrates the intricate challenges tech companies encounter in aligning their services with political changes. President Trump's statement prompted Google to adapt its mapping services to reflect these official changes. The Gulf of Mexico will continue to be displayed for users in Mexico, maintaining a dual-label approach that accommodates both American and Mexican users.
"P0" – Google
In internal communications, Google highlighted the urgency of these updates by designating them as "P0," indicating a high priority level for implementation. The reclassification process underscores Google's commitment to adhering to official government sources while balancing user expectations across different regions.