SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - OCTOBER 2022
South Korea Weighs Approval for Google, Apple High-Resolution Map Requests
The South Korean government is nearing a decision on whether to allow Google and Apple to export high-resolution geographic map data to servers outside the country. The detailed maps, which use a 1:5,000 scale, would show streets, buildings, and alleyways in far greater detail than currently available on these platforms.
According to sources close to the matter, lawmakers raised concerns over national security and digital sovereignty during a parliamentary audit of Google Korea earlier this week. Rep. Kim, chair of the National Assembly Defense Committee, warned that Google's satellite maps could endanger national security by exposing sensitive military sites when combined with commercial imagery and online data.
"We cannot allow our sensitive information to be exposed to external forces," Rep. Kim said in an interview. "We need to have authority to monitor and regulate the export of high-resolution geographic information."
The decision on whether to approve Google's request has been delayed multiple times, with the latest postponement occurring in August following a previous delay in May.
Background and context:
South Korea remains technically at war with North Korea, and the government is cautious about exposing sensitive military sites. The country's strict regulations on data export are aimed at protecting national security and digital sovereignty.
Additional perspectives:
Industry experts say that high-resolution maps could have significant benefits for navigation and urban planning. "These detailed maps would be a game-changer for cities like Seoul," said Dr. Lee, a professor of urban planning at Seoul National University. "They would allow us to better understand the layout of our city and make more informed decisions about infrastructure development."
Current status and next developments:
The South Korean government is expected to make a decision on Google's request in the coming weeks. If approved, the high-resolution maps could be available on Google Maps and Apple Maps as early as 2023.
In related news, the South Korean government has announced plans to develop its own high-resolution mapping technology. The project, which is still in its infancy, aims to create a domestic alternative to foreign map providers like Google and Apple.
The decision on whether to approve Google's request will have significant implications for the tech industry and urban planning in South Korea. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of data export regulations, one thing is clear: the future of high-resolution mapping in South Korea hangs in the balance.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
