MapQuest tops Apple App Store after refusing to change Lake Ontario to "Lake America" - CBS News
MapQuest has surged to the top of the Apple App Store after publicly refusing to comply with a presidential executive order to rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America.' The company's decision to maintain traditional geographic labels has resonated with users, resulting in a significant spike in app downloads.
Why it matters
This highlights the intersection of corporate autonomy, digital mapping standards, and political influence in the context of international trade disputes.
Thirty years after launching during the dot-com boom, MapQuest has a new roadmap to success.The digital mapping company is now the top free app in the Apple App Store after declining to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America," despite President Trump signing an executive order last week to change its name."The surge follows MapQuest's decision to keep the historical, familiar names for lakes and gulfs on its maps," the company said Monday in a press release.ChatGPT is the second-most downloaded free app on Apple.MapQuest disclosed its decision on social media on Aug. 27, posting "We're not changing it," the same day Mr. Trump signed the order directing the name change."We are aware that Lake Ontario is being correctly labeled on our map," the company later posted. MapQuest also launched a tool that allows people to create their own name for the lake.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in