Seoul weighs approval for Google, Apple high-resolution map requests

South Korea is nearing a decision on whether to allow Google and Apple to export high-resolution geographic map data to servers outside the country. Detailed maps, which use a 1:5,000 scale, will show streets, buildings and alleys in much greater detail than is currently available on these platforms. However, several regulatory and security hurdles remain unresolved.

Earlier this week, South Korea’s National Assembly Defense Committee conducted a parliamentary audit of Google Korea. Lawmakers questioned the company’s request for local map data, citing concerns about national security and digital sovereignty. The session comes two months after Seoul suspended its decision on Google’s request to export high-resolution map data. in augustA follow up Delay before May.

A policymaker has warned that Google’s satellite maps could jeopardize national security by exposing sensitive military sites when combined with commercial imagery and online data. Lawmakers are urging the government to gain authority to monitor and regulate the export of high-resolution geographic data. Given that South Korea remains technically at war with North Korea, the government is wary of revealing such positions.

A South Korean government official told TechCrunch that the government’s final decision on Google Maps is expected around November 11, or possibly even earlier. Last month, the Ministry of Lands, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it would extend the review period by an additional 60 days.

In February, Google requested permission from Koreans for the third time in South Korea National Geographic Information Institute to use a 1:5,000 scale map, which provides much more detail in its app, and to transfer map data to servers outside of South Korea. Currently, Google Using a 1:25,000 scale map Including points of interest and satellite imagery. Local navigation apps such as Naver Map, T Map and Kakao Map are the most popular among local users. These applications offer map data at a scale of 1:5,000, and therefore, much more information and detail, giving them a significant competitive advantage.

In 2011 and again in 2016, South Korean authorities refused Google’s request for access to the country’s map data. Officials have clarified that the agency will depend on approval to open a local data center and demystify sensitive locations, including national security sites, citing security concerns. Google refuses to meet these conditions.

After South Korea rejected approval in August, Google allegedly Google Maps and Google Earth have agreed to obscure the locations of country security sites The company is blurring sensitive installations to address government concerns about satellite imagery and allegedly Explore purchasing government-sanctioned satellite data from local providers, including T Maps.

Google did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.

Under South Korea Geospatial Information Management Act (Article 16), government survey data — such as maps and satellite images — cannot be sent abroad without the approval of the entire cabinet. Passed in the 1970s, the law continued the country’s strict control over geospatial data.

Map data has become a sensitive national security issue in conflict zones worldwide. Israeli army Google Maps asked to stop Real-time traffic data in Israel and Gaza in 2023, just like in Ukraine after Russia’s 2022 invasion. And in 2009, European regulators urged Google To delete the original Street View image for privacy concerns.

Apple follows Google in search of South Korea map data

It’s not just Google’s move to build. Apple also requested In June To export high-resolution map data from South Korea at a scale of 1:5,000. This came after its initial request in 2023 was rejected.

While Google places its Maps servers outside of Korea, Apple operates local servers, a difference the government considers when reviewing requests. Local servers allow authorities to respond quickly to security concerns at sensitive sites.

South Korea last month adjourned The decision to allow Apple to export high-precision digital map data pushed the review to December.

Reports suggest that Apple may show more flexibility than Google in complying with government-imposed restrictions, including blurring, masking or reducing the resolution of sensitive sites. The company is also reportedly planning to use SK Telecom’s T Map as its primary base map data source.

Apple did not respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.

Google and Apple are upgrading their maps with detailed building footprints, alleyways and precise street-level data to improve navigation, which can support advanced technologies. Self-driving cars And Drone delivery. For South Korea, exporting high-resolution map data can boost tourism, promote local businesses and drive smart city innovation, while enabling the government to enforce security protections. But critics have warned that the move could largely benefit US tech giants rather than domestic users.

Google Maps has a wider global reach, covering 250 countries and territories, while Apple Maps is available in only 200 territories. According to a report.