Google’s Maps division has reclassified the U.S. as a “sensitive country,” a designation typically used for nations with strict governments or disputed borders, CNBC reported. The move coincides with former President Donald Trump’s efforts to rename key locations on official maps, including changing the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and reverting Alaska’s Mount Denali to Mount McKinley.
Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) confirmed it follows official government sources when updating place names. The reclassification came as the company adapted to policy changes under a second Trump administration, according to CNBC. Google Maps, which serves over 2 billion users monthly, is the world’s leading navigation platform.
Tech giants like Meta (NASDAQ: META), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and TikTok have also adjusted policies to align with Trump’s administration. Several corporations have announced the termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs following new executive orders.
The designation of the U.S. as a “sensitive country” raises questions about how major tech firms will navigate policy shifts under Trump. Google’s response reflects a broader trend among major corporations adapting to political landscapes while maintaining compliance with government directives.