South Korea's government on February 27 conditionally approved Google's request to transfer high-precision map data overseas, subject to supplementary measures addressing security concerns. The decision follows Google's February 2025 application for 1:5,000-scale map data to its overseas data centers. Previous similar requests in 2007 and 2016 were rejected over national security issues.
South Korea's government decided on February 27, 2026, to conditionally allow Google to transfer high-precision map data supplied by the government to its overseas facilities, pending supplementary measures to address security concerns. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which oversees national mapping policy, reached this decision after a meeting with officials from foreign, defense, and other related ministries.
Google filed its latest request in February 2025, seeking approval to export 1:5,000-scale high-precision digital map data to its overseas data centers. Earlier this month, the company submitted supplementary materials to the transport ministry, which reportedly address most government requirements, including measures to mask sensitive domestic security facilities and limit the exposure of precise geographic coordinates. The submission includes technical explanations on how Google would process and manage the data if approved, but it does not include specific plans to establish a data center in South Korea. Instead, the company presented alternative measures to building a local data center.
Currently, Google provides map services in South Korea using publicly available 1:25,000-scale map data, supplemented by aerial and satellite imagery. The United States has previously raised concerns over South Korea's restrictions on high-precision map exports, describing them as a non-tariff barrier. Google made similar requests in 2007 and 2016, but they were rejected citing national security concerns, including potential exposure of military bases and other sensitive facilities.
A government official said, "Nothing has been finalized as this is a sensitive issue with many factors under consideration. However, no ministry is firmly opposed to granting approval." Industry sources on February 26 indicated the government was likely to approve the request.
