Trump pushes Apple to change 'Lake Ontario' to 'Lake America' on its maps

MyNews newsroom brief · 3h ago · 1 min read · via bbc.co.uk

The request comes after Google made the switch for US-based users over the weekend. MapQuest, another US map provider, said it will not change the name.

The reported request by the Trump administration for Apple to change the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on its maps has sparked controversy and raised questions about the role of politics in shaping our geographic nomenclature. This move comes on the heels of Google's decision to make a similar change for US-based users, which has been met with criticism from Canadian officials and others who see it as an attempt to erase a long-standing and internationally recognized name.

The push to rename Lake Ontario is seen as part of a broader effort to promote a more patriotic or nationalistic agenda, but it also highlights the complexities of mapping and the importance of consistency and accuracy in geographic naming conventions. The International Hydrographic Organization, which is responsible for establishing official names for bodies of water, recognizes "Lake Ontario" as the official name, and many other countries, including Canada, use this name on their maps.

What's next to watch is how Apple and other map providers respond to the administration's request, and how this controversy plays out in the context of US-Canada relations and the broader debate over geographic naming conventions. It's also worth keeping an eye on whether this issue gains traction in the media and among the public, and whether it has any implications for the way we think about and interact with maps and geographic information in the digital age.

Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.

Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. MyNews curates and briefs the general news stories that matter. Our editorial policy →
Get the daily general signal:

More from MyNews

Part of the eCorp network