Google given conditional approval by Seoul to export map data

South Korea will allow Google to transfer 1:5,000-scale digital map data overseas under strict security conditions, including limits around military sites. The move reverses a long-standing restriction that had limited Google Maps’ precision in the country.

South Korea said it will grant conditional approval for Google to transfer high-precision map data overseas. The decision allows export of 1:5,000-scale digital map data while keeping oversight of sensitive information. Restrictions on exporting detailed geographic data had limited Google Maps’ functionality in South Korea for years. The change reflects the government’s effort to balance national security with ambitions to grow its digital and artificial intelligence sectors. Key points: - The government announced it will permit the export of 1:5,000-scale digital map data under strict security conditions. - Officials said special limits will apply around military bases and other sensitive facilities. - Google first made a formal request in 2007 and South Korea repeatedly rejected similar requests on security grounds. - Current rules previously required foreign companies to store detailed map data on servers located in South Korea, which advantaged local map services. - The decision is presented as a middle ground between defense concerns and the needs of the global digital economy. Summary: The conditional approval could allow improved navigation and location services from Google in South Korea while retaining controls on sensitive sites. The move represents a recalibration of long-standing policy under the current administration to reconcile security and technological goals. Implementation details and timing were not specified. Undetermined at this time.