South Korea is nearing a decision on whether to allow Google and Apple to export high-resolution geographic map data to servers located outside the country. The detailed maps in question use a scale of 1:5,000, which would show streets, buildings, and alleyways in far greater detail than the maps currently available on these platforms. However, several regulatory and security hurdles must still be resolved.
Earlier this week, South Korea’s National Assembly Defense Committee held a parliamentary audit of Google Korea. Lawmakers questioned the company’s requests for local map data, raising significant concerns over national security and digital sovereignty. This session follows a decision by Seoul in August to postpone its ruling on Google’s request to export high-resolution map data, which itself was a delay from an earlier postponement in May.
A policymaker has warned that Google’s satellite maps could endanger national security by exposing sensitive military sites, especially when such imagery is combined with other commercial and online data. This lawmaker is urging the government to gain the authority to monitor and regulate the export of high-resolution geographic information. Given that South Korea remains technically at war with North Korea, the government is exercising extreme caution about exposing such sensitive locations.
The government’s final decision on Google Maps is expected around November 11, or possibly even earlier, according to a South Korean government official. Last month, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced it would extend the review period by an additional 60 days.
In February, Google submitted its third request to the Korean National Geographic Information Institute for permission to use a 1:5,000 scale map in its app and to transfer that data abroad. This scale provides much greater detail. Currently, Google uses a 1:25,000 scale map that includes points of interest and satellite imagery. Local navigation apps like Naver Map, T Map, and Kakao Map are the most popular among local users. These apps already use map data at the more detailed 1:5,000 scale, giving them a significant competitive advantage with more information and detail.
South Korean authorities previously turned down Google’s requests for access to the country’s map data in both 2011 and 2016. Officials had made clear that approval would require the company to open a local data center and obscure sensitive locations, including national security sites, citing security concerns. Google declined to meet these conditions at the time.
After South Korea rejected approval in August, Google reportedly agreed to obscure the locations of the country’s security sites on both Google Maps and Google Earth. The company is blurring sensitive installations to address government concerns over satellite imagery. It is also exploring the purchase of government-approved satellite data from local providers, including T Map.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Under South Korea’s Geospatial Information Management Act, specifically Article 16, government survey data such as maps and satellite images cannot be sent abroad without approval from the entire Cabinet. This law was passed in the 1970s and continues to underpin the country’s strict control over geospatial data.
Map data has become a sensitive national security issue in conflict zones worldwide. For example, the Israeli army asked Google Maps to turn off real-time traffic data in Israel and Gaza in 2023, similar to a request made in Ukraine after Russia’s 2022 invasion. In 2009, European regulators urged Google to delete original Street View images over privacy concerns.
Apple is also seeking South Korea’s map data. The company made a request in June to export high-resolution map data from South Korea at a 1:5,000 scale. This came after its initial request in 2023 was turned down.
A key distinction between the two companies is that while Google keeps its map servers outside Korea, Apple operates local servers. This difference is weighed by the government during review, as local servers allow authorities to respond more swiftly to security concerns at sensitive sites.
Last month, South Korea postponed its decision on allowing Apple to export high-precision digital map data, pushing the review to December. Reports suggest Apple may show more flexibility than Google in adhering to government-imposed restrictions, such as blurring, masking, or lowering the resolution of sensitive sites. The company is also said to plan to use SK Telecom’s T Map as its primary base map data source.
Apple did not respond to requests for comment.
Google and Apple are upgrading their maps with detailed building footprints, alleyways, and precise street-level data to enhance navigation. These improvements could also support the development of advanced technologies like self-driving cars and drone deliveries.
For South Korea, allowing the export of high-resolution map data could boost tourism, promote local businesses, and drive smart city innovation, while giving the government leverage to enforce security safeguards. Critics, however, warn that the move may primarily benefit U.S. tech giants rather than domestic users.
Google Maps has a broader global reach, covering 250 countries and territories, while Apple Maps is available in just over 200 regions.