Here is the article:
Google Maps Reclassifies US as “Sensitive Country” in Response to Trump Administration’s Demands
Google’s maps division has reclassified the United States as a “sensitive country,” a move prompted by the Trump administration’s demands for changes to official maps and federal communications. This designation is typically reserved for countries with strict governments and border disputes, and also includes states with “unique geometry or unique labeling.”
The decision came after President Donald Trump announced that his administration would make changes to official maps and federal communications, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and Mount Denali as Mount McKinley. Google’s internal correspondence revealed that the company’s order to stop designating the US as a “non-sensitive” country was issued on Monday, following the Trump administration’s changes.
The reclassification of the US as a “sensitive country” is a technical configuration that signifies some labels within the country are different from those in other countries. The move applies only to Google’s “Geo” division, and it is unclear whether it will extend to other divisions within the company. The US and Mexico are the new additions to the list of “sensitive” countries, which also includes China, Russia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, among others.
The changes have been made to Google Maps to reflect the name change to the Gulf of America, although users in Mexico will still see the original name, Gulf of Mexico. Users in other countries will see both names. The move by Google is seen as an attempt to show compliance with the Trump administration’s demands, following the company’s efforts to navigate the challenges of working with the new administration.