In the latest development, Google Maps has introduced labels identifying Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” sparking a call from U.S. President Donald Trump for Apple to make a similar change on iPhones. This situation underscores the dominance of American tech giants in Canada, leaving consumers and businesses with limited non-U.S. options.
According to Anne Pasek, a Canada Research Chair at Trent University, Canadians operate under the influence of American tech monopolies, subjecting their digital lives and associated activities to U.S. jurisdiction and laws.
Recently, Canadian websites, including government portals and major banks, have displayed maps showing Lake Ontario as Lake America. This alteration follows an executive order by President Trump amid ongoing trade tensions between the two countries.
Google’s adjustment affects U.S. users, offering non-American websites the option to display “Lake Ontario” by configuring their maps for Canada.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reported Trump’s request to Apple to rename Lake Ontario in alignment with the executive order. However, Apple has not responded to queries on the matter.
Aside from providing navigation services, mapping tools from U.S. tech giants are deeply integrated into Canadian business operations, offering essential details like hours of operation and contact information. They also support e-commerce platforms with address auto-completion and assist ride-sharing and food delivery apps in managing traffic.
Emily Osborne, a policy research associate at the Canadian Shield Institute, highlighted the reliance on American tech companies like Google and Apple for digital services, proposing Dutch firms TomTom and HERE Technologies as potential alternatives. Previously, Toronto-based Avenza Systems provided a Canadian option until its acquisition by Blue Marble Geographics.
Concerns arise over potential tech-related pressure points between Canada and the U.S., such as in payment processing and cloud storage, as seen during the AWS outage impacting Canadian businesses last year. Osborne emphasized the vulnerability of Canadian businesses relying on U.S.-owned digital infrastructure, particularly in scenarios where access could be restricted by government actions.
