Will South Korea allow Google to export map data? US mounts pressure ahead of summit talks

In response to pressure from the United States to resolve what Washington views as a non-tariff obstacle during recent trade discussions, South Korea postponed a decision on Friday on Google’s request for authorisation to export map data, according to its transport ministry.

After completing a trade agreement in late July, South Korea and the United States are getting ready for a summit of their leaders, which might take place this month. However, it was unclear if the map issue would be brought up at the meeting.

In 2016 and 2007, South Korea denied petitions by Google, whose parent is Alphabet, for permission to utilise map data on servers outside the nation, citing security concerns.

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In order to allow Google time to develop solutions that meet its security concerns, the National Geographic Information Institute of South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport stated in a statement that it has chosen to delay the decision for 60 days.

Google claims that after undergoing a security evaluation by a government body, there were no security issues with its mapping data on South Korea, which are publicly accessible and utilised by several businesses.

However, the business stated that it is actively negotiating with the South Korean government over any further security measures that the authorities may seek, as well as plans to buy blurred images from government-approved local partners.

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South Korea, whose 1950-53 war with North Korea ended without a peace treaty, argues that if it allowed such data to leave the country, the locations of military facilities and other sensitive sites could be revealed.

But the US said restrictions on cross-border data flows have long served as barriers to operating navigation services through Google Maps and Apple Maps, resulting in US companies losing out in the South Korean market.

South Korea had not made concessions on the map issue and also on further opening up agriculture, despite early and intense bilateral talks, presidential adviser Kim Yong-beom had said.

Google said the lack of data restricts its Google Maps services in Korea, causing major inconveniences to foreign tourists.

Late last month, Transport Minister Kim Yoon-duk said South Korea needed to be “very cautious” about granting map access, saying defence and public safety were prioritised over trade.