South Korea delayed its decision on Google’s request to export its local map data for 60 days

South Korea has given Google a sixty-day window to address the security concerns surrounding its access to the country’s map data. The government appears unswayed by the accurate GPS navigation argument, instead prioritizing its country’s security by limiting Google’s access to its local map data.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on Friday that South Korea has delayed a decision on Google’s request to export local map data for use on servers outside the country. 

South Korea postpones decision on Google’s request to export data 

The ministry stated that its National Geographic Information Institute had decided to postpone the decision for 60 days to give Google time to propose measures addressing South Korea’s national security concerns. The delay means the issue will remain unresolved ahead of a possible summit between the leaders of the two countries later this month. 

It is not yet clear whether the matter will be included in the summit agenda.

Google, owned by U.S. tech giant Alphabet, has made previous requests for permission to store and process South Korean map data abroad, which were rejected in both 2007 and 2016 on security grounds. Those denials cited the potential risk of exposing sensitive information, including the locations of military facilities.

South Korea’s position revolves around the country’s security environment. The 1950–1953 Korean War ended without a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula in a technically unresolved state of conflict. Officials have argued that allowing detailed geospatial data to be transferred abroad could make it easier to pinpoint sensitive sites, including defense infrastructure, potentially compromising the nation’s security.

Transport Minister Kim Yoon-duk reiterated late last month that the government must remain “very cautious” in granting map access to foreign companies, stressing that defense and public safety take precedence over trade considerations.

In contrast, the United States views South Korea’s restrictions on cross-border data flows as long-standing barriers to foreign navigation services. U.S. officials have argued that these measures have hampered the operations of platforms such as Google Maps and Apple Maps, limiting their competitiveness in the South Korean market.

Google has said that the absence of certain map data restricts its ability to provide full Google Maps functionality within the country, causing what it describes as “major inconveniences” for foreign tourists. 

According to the company, there are no legitimate security concerns over its mapping data, which it says is already publicly available and used by a range of companies after passing government security reviews.

Ongoing negotiations and possible compromises

Google stated that it is willing to work with South Korean authorities to address their concerns. The company said it is in “close discussion” with the government on additional security measures that could satisfy its regulatory requirements. 

One option under consideration is purchasing blurred imagery from local partners whose data has already been approved by the government.

The South Korean government’s 60-day postponement is intended to give Google time to develop such solutions. 

However, presidential adviser Kim Yong-beom said last month that South Korea has not made concessions on the map data issue, nor on the separate matter of further opening its agricultural sector, despite the extensive bilateral trade negotiations with the United States.

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