South Korea Weighs Approval for Google, Apple High-Resolution Map Requests
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - 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 from South Korea's National Assembly Defense Committee held a parliamentary audit of Google Korea earlier this week, questioning the company's requests for local map data. The session raised concerns over national security and digital sovereignty, with one policymaker warning that Google's satellite maps could endanger national security by exposing sensitive military sites when combined with commercial imagery and online data.
The government is cautious about exposing sensitive information due to its ongoing technical state of war with North Korea. "We need to be careful not to reveal our military secrets," said Rep. Kim Young-ho, a member of the National Assembly Defense Committee. "High-resolution maps could be used by adversaries to identify and target our military installations."
The decision on Google's request has been delayed twice in recent months, first in May and again in August. The government is now considering several regulatory and security hurdles before making a final decision.
Google Korea spokesperson Lee Jae-hwan declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing discussions with the government. Apple did not respond to requests for comment.
The high-resolution map data would be used by Google and Apple to improve their mapping services, providing users with more detailed information about their surroundings. However, the export of such sensitive information raises concerns about national security and digital sovereignty.
The South Korean government is weighing the benefits of allowing the export of high-resolution map data against the potential risks. A policymaker has urged the government to gain authority to monitor and regulate the export of geographic information, citing the need for greater control over sensitive data.
The decision on Google's request will have significant implications for the tech industry in South Korea. If approved, it could pave the way for other companies to access high-resolution map data, while a rejection could limit the development of mapping services in the country.
The outcome is expected to be announced soon, with sources suggesting that a final decision may come within weeks. The government will need to balance its desire to promote innovation and economic growth with concerns over national security and digital sovereignty.
As the South Korean government weighs its options, experts are urging caution. "This is not just about maps; it's about data sovereignty," said Dr. Lee Sang-yoon, a professor of computer science at Seoul National University. "We need to be careful about who has access to our sensitive information."
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
