Google Maps has disabled user reviews for the Gulf of Mexico after facing backlash over its decision to rename the body of water as "Gulf of America" for users in the United States. The change was made following an order from former President Donald Trump to update official government documents with the new name.

Users who click on the Gulf’s label on Google Maps now see a message stating that "posting is currently turned off." Additionally, Google appears to have removed several negative reviews criticizing the name change. The company defended its decision, explaining that it often restricts contributions during periods of heightened public response to prevent off-topic or policy-violating content.

The controversy has sparked accusations of censorship, with users claiming that hundreds of one-star reviews were deleted. In response, some have taken to Apple's App Store to leave negative ratings for the Google Maps app itself, labeling it as "factually inaccurate."

The practice of mass negative reviews, often referred to as "review-bombing," has become a common online protest tactic. In the past, similar actions have been taken against businesses and apps, including McDonald's locations involved in high-profile incidents and stock-trading apps during the GameStop market controversy in 2021.

Google stated that the name change aligns with its policy of reflecting official updates from government sources. While the label now appears as "Gulf of America" in the U.S., users in Mexico and other regions still see "Gulf of Mexico," with the new name in brackets. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has formally opposed the change and reportedly raised the possibility of legal action against Google.

Apple has also renamed the Gulf for U.S. users in its Maps app, further fueling the debate. Actor George Takei has urged users to report the new label on Apple Maps, while the White House has publicly acknowledged the change on social media.

The incident adds to growing concerns over major tech firms making policy shifts that some view as aligning with political interests. Companies such as Meta, Amazon, and Google have recently faced criticism over adjustments to their content policies and hiring strategies.