Latest news with #GeographicNamesSystem
USA Today
12-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
DOJ still wants Google to part with its Chrome browser as part of antitrust case
DOJ still wants Google to part with its Chrome browser as part of antitrust case Google used its Chrome browser and paid billions to companies such as Apple and Samsung to dominate internet search. The DOJ wants to break the monopoly by making Google sell off Chrome. Show Caption Hide Caption 'Gulf of Mexico' is now 'Gulf of America' for US Google Maps users Google Maps changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' name once it was officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System. Google will have to part with its dominant Chrome browser if the U.S. Department of Justice has its way. The divestiture of Google Chrome is among remedies sought by the Justice Department's antitrust division in a proposal filed Friday, signed by acting assistant attorney general Omeed Assefi, all part of a suit initiated in 2020. The Justice Department has argued Google used the Chrome browser to establish a monopoly in online search and advertising. The tech giant also paid third parties to use Chrome as its default search engine, argued the Justice Department and more than 45 states, which brought the suit along with the agency. "Google's conduct presents genuine danger to freedom in the marketplace and to robust competition in our economy," the plaintiffs said in the Friday filing. This filing and a one filed by Google, also on Friday, precede an expected hearing next month with a ruling by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta to come in August, Bloomberg has reported. The judge has already declared "Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly," in an opinion filed in August 2024. DOGE stimulus checks: What happened to them? How the idea originated and where things stand now Google's distribution agreements – such as paying Apple and Samsung billions each year to make Chrome the default search engine on smartphones and tablets – have allowed it to gain monopoly power in search and general search text ads, Mehta wrote in his August 2024 opinion. Those payments have "anticompetitive effects," he wrote. "That conduct has allowed Google to earn monopoly profits." Mehta noted that in 2021, Google paid a total of $26.3 billion to Apple, Samsung and other companies such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile to ensure Google's search engine as the default for consumers. "Google has unlawfully used the distribution agreements to thwart competition and maintain its monopoly in the market for general search services and in various online advertising markets," Mehta wrote. "Google's dominance eventually attracted the attention of antitrust enforcers – the U.S. Department of Justice and nearly every state's Attorney General," Mehta wrote. If forced to sell Google Chrome, the price tag could approach $20 billion, Bloomberg has reported. But it would be a major blow to the tech giant. In its proposal, Google says it can comply with Mehta's decision without divesting Chrome and instead by changing its licensing agreements with companies such as Apple to remove exclusive conditions on Chrome, Google Search and other applications. Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president of regulatory affairs for Google and its parent company, Alphabet, characterized the Justice Department proposal in December as going "far beyond what the Court's decision is actually about – our agreements with partners to distribute search," she wrote in a blog post. "But the bigger problem is that DOJ's proposal would harm American consumers and undermine America's global technology leadership at a critical juncture – such as by requiring us to share people's private search queries with foreign and domestic rivals, and restricting our ability to innovate and improve our products," she wrote. The Justice Department did drop a recommendation that Google also divest its investments in artificial intelligence, opting to require Google notify officials before any future AI investments. The US vs Google: Then and now The antitrust suit began during President Donald Trump's first term, as part of his pledge to take on Big Tech. It was the biggest antitrust case against a tech giant since the Justice Department sued Microsoft nearly two decades ago. That case resulted in a settlement. The case against Google continued during the Biden administration, but now the Trump-run Justice Department is carrying the case forward. While Google is expected to appeal the judge's final decision, the Justice Department may not want to achieve every remedy included in its final proposal said. What it's given the court may be part of a 'maximalist opening position that they can then negotiate from," Paul Swanson, a litigation partner who focuses on technology and antitrust at Holland & Hart LLP in Denver, Colorado, told Wired. 'The one through-line here is that this administration wants to be perceived as being tough on tech, but also not slow the growth of America's tech industries,' he told Wired. 'So they may signal more action than what they ultimately want.' Contributing: Jessica Guynn and Jonathan Limehouse. Follow Mike Snider on Threads, Bluesky and X: mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider. What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
USA Today
22-02-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Don't like the Gulf of America? MapQuest is allowing users to rename it
Don't like the Gulf of America? MapQuest is allowing users to rename it Show Caption Hide Caption 'Gulf of Mexico' is now 'Gulf of America' for US Google Maps users Google Maps changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' name once it was officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System. If you're not a fan of the recently renamed Gulf of America, you can call it whatever you want courtesy of MapQuest. The online navigation company appears to be poking fun at President Donald Trump's executive order to rebrand the body of water bordering the nation's southern coast. Trump's decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico has been met with mixed results. While some U.S. citizens who live in places like Florida have gladly welcomed the name change, others appear irked. Among those unhappy with the rebranding? Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who threatened legal action against Google again this week after the tech company changed the Gulf of Mexico's name for Google Maps users in the United States. Apple maps and Bing Maps have also changed the name to Gulf of America on their apps. Here's what to know about the recent switch and the names some people have given it using a new site by MapQuest. \'Name your own Gulf,\' says MapQuest MapQuest announced last week on X the company "still hadn't figured out" how to update its maps, but would allow users to rebrand the Gulf of Mexico on the website After giving the gulf a new designation, its title will appear over the water of a map that users can download or share on social media — the image does not change MapQuest's official map display. Social media users on BlueSky appear to be venting their frustrations about the Gulf of America by creating maps with names like the "Gulf of Fragile Masculinity," the "Gulf of Greenland," and the "Gulf of $7 Eggs." Why did Google change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America? In a statement posted to X, Google said it updated its maps application to the Gulf of America as part of a long-standing practice of adhering to official government names. The Geographic Names Information System, which is part of the United States Geological Survey, supplies the designated names used in Google Maps. The gulf name will appear differently for people in other countries, the tech company explained, saying: "When official names vary between countries, Maps users see their official local name. Everyone in the rest of the world sees both names.' Story continues after photo gallery. MapQuest retains Gulf of Mexico name Map applications on Apple and Bing have since followed Google's lead. MapQuest, however, isn't among them. The navigation company has retained the Gulf of Mexico name, it joked, not as a political statement but because the company doesn't remember how to change it. "MapQuest is NOT renaming the Gulf of Mexico — not because of politics but because we haven't updated our maps in like 15 years and don't remember how to do it," the company posted last month. What social media users on MapQuest are calling the \'Gulf of America\' "Gulf of Fragile Masculinity" "Gulf of Salt Water" "Gulf of Greenland" "Gulf of $7 Eggs" "Gulf of Cuba" "Gulf of Mediocre White Men Ruining My Life" "Gulf of Jimmy Buffett" "Gulf of Lower Canada" "Gulf of Where America's dignity died" "Gulf of Eggs which broke Democracy" "Gulf of American Entitlement" "Gulf of Stupidity" "Gulf of Gulf of Freaking Mexico" "Gulf of Screaming Into The Void" "Gulf of I could do this all day" "Gulf of Alternate Reality" "Gulf of This Executive Order Could Have Been An Email" "Gulf of Dumbest Timeline" "Gulf of All the Americas. Canada, come on in, the water is warm." "Gulf of Incalculable Horrors" "Gulf of Can I swim to Norway from here?" What is MapQuest? Is it free to use? MapQuest is a free online mapping and navigation service launched in 1996, making it one of the earliest such commercial mapping services of its time. Before the advent of voice navigation software in vehicles, users could enter a destination into MapQuest and receive step-by-step directions that could be printed out for use while traveling. The MapQuest app is available for Apple iPhone and Google Android users.
USA Today
12-02-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Map apps switch to Gulf of America: The details
Map apps switch to Gulf of America: The details Show Caption Hide Caption 'Gulf of Mexico' is now 'Gulf of America' for US Google Maps users Google Maps changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' name once it was officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System. Apple Maps joined Google Maps in renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America Other countries, including Mexico, retain the Gulf of Mexico name The Associated Press claims it was denied entry to a federal press event for not using the new name for the gulf. With a few strokes of his pen, President Donald Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico, at least for those here in the United States. The change to the Gulf of America will be ignored by Mexico and President Claudia Sheinbaum argued the body of water, shared as well with Cuba, cannot be redesignated without agreement between those countries. Despite this, the name change has already been made in Google Maps and Apple Maps, at least when viewed by residents of the United States. How did Trump change the name to Gulf of America? It was part of an executive order signed on Trump's first day in office dubbed, 'Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness.' It also changed the federal name for the Alaskan mountain known also as Denali, reinstating Mount McKinley. The changes were made in the federal Geographic Names Information System, making them official titles. More: Trump renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. But is it really that easy? Don't say Gulf of Mexico? The Associated Press said it was blocked from covering an official event on Feb. 11 after it referred to the gulf by its former name. "It is alarming that the Trump administration would punish AP for its independent journalism," AP executive editor Julie Pace wrote in a statement. "Limiting our access to the Oval Office based on the content of AP's speech not only severely impedes the public's access to independent news, it plainly violates the First Amendment." The unilateral name change of the shared gulf waters was the butt of a joke by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, in which the Democrat announced a joking redesignation of Lake Michigan as Lake Illinois and proposed the annexation of Green Bay, Wisconsin. What about (Great) 'Lake America?' Jurisdictions name different landmarks differently, such as a road crossing town, county or village boundaries and taking on an additional name. Look at state Route 65, which also goes by Clover, Main and Ontario streets along its 18.5 mile length. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? If Rochester was to rename a nearby shared feature like Lake Ontario, what would you rename it? Let us know at showe@ — Steve Howe reports on weather, climate and the Great Lakes for the Democrat and Chronicle. An RIT graduate, he has covered myriad topics over the years, including public safety, local government, national politics and economic development in New York and Utah.
USA Today
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Moon Pie pokes fun at President Donald Trump, declares new name for Florida on social media
Moon Pie pokes fun at President Donald Trump, declares new name for Florida on social media Show Caption Hide Caption 'Gulf of Mexico' is now 'Gulf of America' for US Google Maps users Google Maps changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' name once it was officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System. Heads up — have you heard the name Florida is now a thing of the past, along with the Gulf of Mexico (in the United States)? In an attempt to poke some fun at the renaming of the Gulf of America by President Donald Trump, the official X account for Moon Pie announced they were making some geographical changes as well. "Thanks to recent geographical updates, we are excited to announce that the land mass previously known as Florida will now be referred to as MoonPieTown," the tweet says, adding for those to enjoy their marshmallow sandwiches and not think too much about it. Made by Chattanooga Bakery Inc. in Tennessee, the company has been known for its eccentric X account over the years. According to Buzzfeed, the account is notorious for its absurdist humor, sassy remarks and even little political jabs. What is a 'Moon Pie'? A classic moon pie consists of two round Graham crackers with marshmallow filling in the center, dipped in chocolate or another flavor coating. Think of it as a literal marshmallow sandwich. The popular snack was invented by the bakery back in 1917 after a coal miner asked their traveling salesman for a snack as "big as the moon." Over the years, it has grown a dedicated following, seeing an annual festival for its combo with RC Cola and an eating competition. 'No longer a Florida man' X users react to Moon Pie's tweet about state Since this is the internet, the replies to Moon Pie's tweet were mixed. While many users played into the joke, others shared their disappointment and a few even vowed to never have another Moon Pie in their lives. Is the 'Gulf of Mexico' officially the 'Gulf of America' now? Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced that the name had officially been changed from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Feb. 9. "It's official! Congratulations @POTUS on the Gulf of America! @Interior has implemented your instruction from the Executive Order on Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness. Another big win for President Trump's agenda to Make America Great Again," Burgum posted on X. In the executive order signed Jan. 20, Trump said the interior secretary shall rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America within 30 days. The Department of Interior beat the Feb. 19 deadline by 10 days.
USA Today
11-02-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Apple changes Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America on maps, following Google's lead
Apple changes Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America on maps, following Google's lead Show Caption Hide Caption 'Gulf of Mexico' is now 'Gulf of America' for US Google Maps users Google Maps changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' name once it was officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System. On Tuesday, Apple Maps officially changed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, the change comes in the footsteps of Google Maps' change on Monday. Apple Maps now shows the Gulf of America as the name for the large body of water. Bloomberg reported the change would be rolled out to users in the U.S. first before being rolled out globally. Apple did not immediately return USA TODAY's request for comment Tuesday. The Geographic Names Information System, which is under the U.S. Geological Survey, provides the names used in both Google Maps and Apple Maps. In a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, Google said it would be complying with the name change as part of a long-standing practice of adhering to official government names. The move follows President Donald Trump's executive order to rename the body of water on his first day in office, and the federal Board on Geographic Names formally changed the name on Monday. 'We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources,' Google said. Not the only Trump-ordered name change The formerly-named Gulf of Mexico will not be the only thing on the map that will change due to an executive order. Denali in Alaska will once again be named Mount McKinley. The mountain's name was first changed by former President Barack Obama in 2015. "They took his name off Mount McKinley. He was a great president," Trump said in a December speech, referring to President William McKinley, who served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. Trump added that his administration will "bring back the name of Mount McKinley because I think he deserves it." Has Apple Maps changed Denali to Mount McKinley? As of Tuesday afternoon, both Google Maps and Apple Maps still show Denali, but Google has said the change will be implemented 'quickly' once the names system is updated. Contributing: Reuters Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
