Google Maps Renames Lake Ontario to Lake America
Following Donald Trump's executive order, Google Maps renames Lake Ontario to Lake America based on U.S. data, while rival apps keep the original name.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Google Maps renames Lake Ontario to Lake America following Donald Trump's executive order
- The app displays three different naming schemes worldwide based on user location
- Waze initially shows the original name in search results before switching to the new name
- Rival navigation apps like MapQuest and Organic Maps continue using the original name
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America." The move served as retaliation against Canada for withdrawing from contentious trade talks, despite the lake's name having no actual connection to the Canadian province. Consequently, tech companies are now forced to navigate the fallout.
Users residing in the U.S. opening Google Maps over the weekend discovered that the application had already updated the lake's name. Even international users might notice the modification, as Google currently utilizes three distinct naming conventions for the water body across its navigation platform depending on the region.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Major tech companies bending to executive orders highlights the complex challenge of operating under shifting geopolitical climates. While citing the U.S. Geographic Names Information System provides formal justification, observers often view such compliance as corporate cautiousness designed to safeguard trillion-dollar business interests from political retaliation.
Users accessing the app within the United States will see "Lake America," while those in Canada will view "Lake Ontario." Anyone accessing it from elsewhere in the world will encounter "Lake Ontario (Lake America)." This mirrors Google's previous handling when the Gulf of Mexico was similarly redesignated as the "Gulf of America."
While this naming update does not alter core app functionality—unless you are actively searching for directions or details regarding the lake—users frustrated by the alteration have alternative choices, as several rival navigation platforms continue displaying the traditional designation.
Meanwhile, Waze—which is owned by Google—technically maintains Lake Ontario on its map during initial searches. However, tapping the search result causes the application to immediately swap the designation to Lake America.
Source: Lifehacker
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