Google Calendar users no longer see default entries for events like Pride, Black History Month

Article Summary: Google Maps Updates and Their Sustainability

Google continues to refine how users access data in its annual update, crafting a series of thoughtful updates that address key areas for users.

1. Google reveal updates to Google Maps and its online calendar
   Google has made significant strides in its online services, particularly with its revised maps and online calendars. A recent update reveals a transformative change in how users view certain cultural and daylight observances. Google announced that some dates from TimeDate.com, which Google uses to populate its calendar, are no longer appearing, especially in the Gulf of Mexico and areas in Hawaii. This decision was made well before the calendar change, with users starting to notice the omission. Google described this as a "move toward integration, rather than a forced change."

2. Google adds cultural and daylight observances to its online calendar
   Google’s annual update now includes the addition of Hundreds of global countries to its online calendar, asparately etched with cultural and daylight observances. notifies users of these changes, though they typically do not appear by default. In 2024, Google said it “purged its default calendar to disable actions that refer to a few omitted holidays and observances。” While users can manually add other important events, the company does not provide a comprehensive directory. Google clarified that it has a thorough process in place to maintain global consistency across its calendar systems.

3. Google’s Gulf of Mexico and Area maps now reflect the latest national data
   Following a federal order from President Donald Trump, Google has revalidated the names of the Gulf of Mexico and Area on its maps. Google announced that the Gulf of America is the updated name for the previously accessed body of water. This change came after Google made the update and the name finally reached the government, where it was finalized. The user community now sees several updated names, but many have changed as well, reflecting the ongoing nuances of national data.

4. Google improving its diversity and inclusivity efforts
   In response to US corporate contractors pushing for the termination of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, Google addressed plans to eliminate some of its outreach targets. Google confirmed that it was evaluating required changes for its federal contractors, including Apple and Microsoft, as part of its-new efforts to align its operations with its corporate governance changes.

5. Diversity, equity, and inclusions in Google’s hiring process have improved
   Google expanded its efforts to rejuvenate our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, with several unprecedented targets being fulfilled. The company’s efforts now included a total of over 12% of its teams reporting.During a joint meeting in May 2024, Google experts shared updates on its DEI efforts.