Users reportedly uninstalling Google Maps over “evil” move
Google Map users furious over Trump-ordered “Lake America” rebrand.
A map labeling Lake Ontario as "Lake America". By Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
- Google Maps changed Lake Ontario to Lake America for US users after Trump signed an executive order.
- The lake remains Lake Ontario in Canada, is Lake America in the US, and Lake Ontario (Lake America) elsewhere.
- Google says it follows official government sources when updating place names on Maps.
- Users criticized the change, citing Indigenous history and concerns over Canadian sovereignty.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” following growing tension between the US and Canada. Now Google Maps is facing backlash.
Google Maps has changed the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America after Donald Trump signed an executive order following souring trade talks between both nations.
The US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) formally changed the name, which prompted Google to act, according to the tech giant.
However, it still isn’t formally named Lake America on the GNIS system.
Google changed the name for US users on Saturday, saying that Google Maps made the change to “reflect name changes in official government sources,” including GNIS.
In the US, the lake will simply be called Lake America, in Canada, it will remain Lake Ontario, and for the rest of the world, it will be called Lake Ontario (Lake America).
“These updates follow our long-standing policy for bodies of water with names that vary from country to country, and are starting to roll out now,” according to Google.
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Users aren’t happy
Google posted its blog on X, which received over 63,000 views and 77 comments, many of which were critical of Google’s decision.
“I’m not Canadian, but this is one of the most honorless moves I have ever seen. You must be ashamed,” said one X user.
This change may be described as honorless, as Lake Ontario derives from the Wendat word “Ontarí’io,” meaning “great lake.”
The Wendat are an indigenous people who once inhabited North America in the 17th century.
By renaming it Lake America, Trump is further erasing indigenous history in the area, while also attacking “Canadian sovereignty,” said other users.
“So fucking sad. Just get f*cked, Google. Don't be evil,” said another furious X user.
Users also reported that the other map providers were also showing Lake America for users not based in the US.
Another user from elsewhere in the world reported what appears to be a bug. As it shows Lake Ontario and further up Lake America.
Users reported uninstalling Google Maps altogether, while others continued to criticize the tech giant for “entertaining this childish bullsh*t.”
