Google Maps Changes Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' Amidst Criticism

Google Maps has made waves after changing the name of 'Lake Ontario' to 'Lake America' for its US users, following an executive order by President Donald Trump. The move was met with widespread criticism from advocates, lawmakers, and commenters who saw it as another example of Big Tech caving to Trump's whims.

The change is part of a broader effort to rename geographical features in the US to conform to the country's new name. Google stated that it updates its maps to reflect changes in official government sources, such as the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). However, this decision has sparked outrage among those who see it as an attempt to erase the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous groups.

Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca called the name change 'blatant disrespect' to Indigenous groups, saying that Trump's order violated a 225-year-old treaty signed by President George Washington and the Haudenosaunee confederacy.