South Korea Approves Google Map Data Transfer

The South Korean government, through its South Korea===Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, has conditionally approved Google's request to transfer high-precision map data of South Korea to its overseas facilities. This decision, made after two previous rejections in 2007 and 2016 due to security concerns, comes with strict security guidelines. These conditions include masking sensitive facilities, restricting the exposure of precise coordinates, and using local servers to process raw data, with only navigation service-related map data allowed for overseas transfer. Google had expressed willingness to comply with these security requirements, including removing coordinate data and blurring sensitive images. This approval is expected to enable Google to offer full-fledged mapping services, including vehicle navigation and driving directions, in South Korea, a market where local companies like Naver Corporation and Kakao currently provide more detailed services. The United States had previously cited restrictions on high-precision map data as a non-tariff trade barrier.