Seoul Considers Approval for Google and Apple High-Res Map Proposals

South Korea is on the verge of a significant decision regarding the export of high-resolution geographic map data by tech giants Google and Apple. The proposed maps, which would utilize a detailed 1:5,000 scale, promise to reveal streets, buildings, and alleyways with unprecedented clarity. However, the move faces several regulatory and security challenges that could impact national security and digital sovereignty, particularly given South Korea’s ongoing tensions with North Korea.

Regulatory Scrutiny and National Security Concerns

This week, South Korea’s National Assembly Defense Committee conducted a parliamentary audit of Google Korea, where lawmakers raised critical questions about the company’s requests for local map data. Concerns were voiced regarding potential risks to national security and the implications for digital sovereignty. This audit follows a delay in August when South Korea postponed its decision on Google’s request to export high-resolution map data, a move that came after a similar postponement in May. A prominent lawmaker warned that Google’s satellite maps could inadvertently expose sensitive military sites, especially when combined with commercial imagery and online data. The government is urged to establish authority to monitor and regulate the export of such geographic information, reflecting the cautious stance of South Korea, which remains technically at war with North Korea.

Timeline for Decision and Previous Requests

The South Korean government is expected to announce its final decision on Google’s map data export request around November 11, 2023, or possibly sooner. Recently, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport extended the review period by an additional 60 days. Google has sought permission for the third time to use a 1:5,000 scale map, which offers far greater detail than the current 1:25,000 scale maps it employs. Local navigation apps like Naver Map, T Map, and Kakao Map already provide this level of detail, giving them a competitive edge in the market. In previous years, South Korean authorities denied Google’s requests for access to the country’s map data, emphasizing that any approval would depend on the company’s commitment to open a local data center and obscure sensitive locations, particularly those related to national security.

Google’s Adjustments and Apple’s Parallel Request

Following the rejection of its request in August, Google reportedly agreed to take measures to obscure sensitive military sites on its maps. The company is now blurring these installations to alleviate government concerns and is exploring partnerships with local providers like T Map for government-approved satellite data. Meanwhile, Apple has also entered the fray, requesting permission to export high-resolution map data at a 1:5,000 scale. Unlike Google, Apple operates local servers in South Korea, which may influence the government’s review process favorably. Last month, South Korea postponed its decision on Apple’s request, pushing the review to December. Reports indicate that Apple may be more amenable to complying with government-imposed restrictions, such as blurring or masking sensitive sites.

Implications for Technology and Local Businesses

The push for high-resolution map data by both Google and Apple is part of a broader trend to enhance navigation services, which could also support emerging technologies like self-driving cars and drone deliveries. For South Korea, the ability to export such detailed map data could stimulate tourism, promote local businesses, and drive smart city innovations. However, critics caution that the primary beneficiaries of this move may be U.S. tech giants rather than domestic users. Google Maps boasts a wider global reach, covering 250 countries and territories, while Apple Maps is available in just over 200 regions, highlighting the competitive landscape in the mapping sector. As the situation unfolds, the balance between technological advancement and national security will remain a critical consideration for South Korean authorities.

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