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

South Korea is approaching a pivotal decision regarding the potential export of high-resolution geographic map data by tech giants Google and Apple. These detailed maps, featuring a 1:5,000 scale, promise to reveal streets, buildings, and alleys with unprecedented clarity, surpassing the current offerings on these platforms. However, the approval process is fraught with regulatory and security challenges. Recently, the National Assembly Defense Committee conducted a parliamentary audit of Google Korea, where lawmakers scrutinized the company’s requests for local map data, highlighting concerns related to national security and digital sovereignty. This scrutiny comes after a two-month pause in the decision-making process regarding Google’s request, originally delayed in August, following an earlier hold in May. A government official voiced apprehensions that Google’s satellite imagery could compromise national security by potentially disclosing sensitive military locations when used in conjunction with commercial imagery. The South Korean government, mindful of its ongoing tensions with North Korea, is taking a cautious stance on the matter. A definitive ruling on Google's map export request is anticipated around November 11, although it could be announced sooner. Last month, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport extended the review period by 60 days to thoroughly evaluate the implications of such exports. In February, Google submitted its third request to the Korean National Geographic Information Institute to utilize a more detailed 1:5,000 scale map for its applications and to transfer the data internationally. Currently, Google operates with a 1:25,000 scale map that provides basic points of interest and satellite imagery. In contrast, local navigation apps like Naver Map, T Map, and Kakao Map already offer 1:5,000 scale data, giving them a significant edge in terms of detail and information. Previous requests by Google for access to South Korea’s map data were denied in 2011 and 2016, with government officials specifying that approval would require the establishment of a local data center and measures to obscure sensitive military sites. Google has reportedly agreed to blur the locations of sensitive installations in response to these security concerns and is contemplating procuring government-approved satellite data from local companies. In addition to Google, Apple requested permission in June to export high-resolution map data, following a previous denial earlier in 2023. While Google maintains its map servers abroad, Apple operates local servers, which could influence the government's review process favorably by allowing for quicker responses to security issues. South Korea has postponed its decision on Apple’s request until December, with reports indicating that Apple may be more amenable to complying with government restrictions, such as adjusting the resolution of sensitive sites. As both companies enhance their mapping services with detailed data, the implications for tourism, local businesses, and smart city initiatives in South Korea are significant. Nonetheless, critics caution that such developments may primarily serve the interests of U.S. tech firms over local users.