• South Korea allows Google to export map data after years of restrictions
• The decision comes with strict security measures to protect sensitive information

The South Korean government announced on Friday that it will permit Google to export detailed national map data to external servers under specific security conditions, ending years of restrictions that limited foreign users’ ability to effectively use Google Maps within the country.

The decision follows a review by government officials and independent experts. Authorities approved Google’s request to export high-resolution maps at a 1:5,000 scale, provided strict protection measures are applied, including limiting the exported data to what is necessary for navigation services and removing elevation lines and other sensitive information.

South Korea had long rejected requests from foreign tech companies, including Google and Apple, to transfer detailed map data abroad, citing potential security risks, particularly the possibility of North Korea exploiting sensitive geographic information.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport stated that Google must first process the data on domestic servers and obtain government approval before exporting it. The ministry also requires the company to remove landmarks and obscure satellite and aerial imagery of military or sensitive sites in services such as Google Earth and Street View.

Google is also required to appoint a compliance officer in South Korea to oversee the map export process, and the government may suspend or revoke approval if the company fails to meet the conditions.

Chris Turner, Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, said in an email statement that the company “welcomes this decision and looks forward to continued cooperation with local authorities to provide full Google Maps services in Korea.”

The restrictions had previously limited Google Maps’ use compared to other countries, with local residents relying primarily on domestic internet services such as Naver and Kakao.

Some experts noted that controlling national map data is a matter of national sovereignty, especially given its connection to emerging technologies like self-driving cars, robotics, and smart cities that depend on accurate geospatial information.

Critics argue that these restrictions have hindered innovation and tourism, noting complaints from foreign visitors about the limited availability of walking and driving directions on Google Maps.