Seoul: The South Korean government has once again postponed its decision regarding Google's request to export high-precision map data overseas, according to the transport ministry. This decision comes amid pressure from Washington, which views the issue as a non-tariff barrier.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. tech giant submitted an application in February to the state-run National Geographic Information Institute. This application sought approval for the transfer of 1:5,000-scale high-precision map data to Google's data centers abroad. Initially, a decision was expected by May, but the review panel extended the deadline by 60 days, citing national security discussions and the potential domestic industry impact. The deadline has now been extended by another 60 days, as confirmed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The review panel includes officials from major ministries such as defense, foreign affairs, industry, and science, as well as the National Intelligence Service. Officials stated that the latest decision to delay was influenced by Google's request for more time to address national security concerns related to the data exports.
The South Korean government remains cautious, especially with potential discussions on this matter at a future South Korea-U.S. summit. Consultations are ongoing between Seoul and Washington to set a date for a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump, possibly around August 25.
Currently, Google uses publicly available lower-resolution 1:25,000-scale map data in South Korea, combined with aerial and satellite imagery. The United States has identified the map data transfer issue as a non-tariff barrier, although it was excluded from a recent tariff agreement between the two nations, which involved a 15 percent tariff on South Korean imports and a US$350 billion South Korean investment in the U.S.
It remains unclear whether the data transfer issue will be addressed at the upcoming summit. Google has made similar requests in the past, specifically in 2007 and 2016, but they were denied by Seoul due to national security concerns, particularly the potential exposure of military bases and other sensitive facilities.