South Korea postpones Google's map data transfer decision, facing pressure from the United States
In a recent development, the decision on Google's request to export high-precision map data from South Korea has been delayed by an additional 60 days. The South Korean government, through the National Geographic Information Institute of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, postponed the decision to allow more time for reviewing Google's proposals, particularly regarding national security concerns about sensitive facilities potentially identifiable on the maps [1][2][5].
Google has offered to censor sensitive areas by blurring critical facilities on satellite images to address these concerns [3]. However, the government insists that Google must keep servers within South Korea to ensure prompt action if security risks arise, something Google has not yet agreed to [1].
This delay is widely seen as linked to the upcoming South Korea-U.S. summit scheduled for later August 2025, with observers believing the government may use the high-precision map export issue as a bargaining point in diplomatic and trade discussions between the two countries [1][4].
It is important to note that the data transfer issue was excluded from the recent tariff agreement between the two nations [6]. Under the tariff agreement, the U.S. imposes a 15 percent tariff on South Korean imports in exchange for South Korea's pledge to invest US$350 billion in the U.S. [7]. The data transfer issue has not been mentioned in connection with this investment pledge.
Google currently provides South Korean maps using publicly available lower-resolution 1:25,000-scale map data combined with aerial and satellite imagery. The company has made similar requests for the transfer of high-precision map data overseas in 2007 and 2016, but these were rejected by Seoul due to national security concerns [8].
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, with some reports suggesting it may take place around Aug. 25 [9]. The exact agenda of the summit remains uncertain, but it is possible that the data transfer issue will be discussed.
The review panel consists of officials from major ministries and the National Intelligence Service, and consultations are ongoing [10]. The initial review panel extension was in May [11].
In summary:
- The decision on Google's export request is postponed by 60 days from early August 2025.
- The delay aims to address national security concerns through security measures like image blurring.
- Google must agree to keep servers in South Korea, currently not accepted.
- The issue is expected to be a topic of consideration or influence at the upcoming South Korea-U.S. summit later this month [1][2][4].
- The South Korean government delayed its decision on Google's request to export high-precision map data overseas.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-google-maps-idUSKCN25H0KX [2] https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-s-request-to-export-high-precision-maps-from-south-korea-delayed-by-60-days/ [3] https://www.bloombergquint.com/global-economics/google-proposes-blurring-sensitive-areas-to-avoid-south-korea-data-export-ban [4] https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2025/08/165_292821.html [5] https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5400637,00.html [6] https://www.ft.com/content/d0997a9a-a93e-4fe8-b3a5-2e1339e4e69e [7] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/joint-statement-on-the-us-republic-of-korea-free-trade-agreement/ [8] https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-asks-south-korea-to-let-it-export-high-precision-maps-1508706988 [9] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-us-summit-likely-take-place-around-aug-25-korean-media-2025-08-04/ [10] https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20250803000628 [11] https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2025/05/165_291671.html
The South Korean government has continued discussions with Google regarding sensitive areas of the requested high-precision map data, with curtailed finance investments potentially depending on the business outcomes. Navigating the delicate politics of the process, many speculate that the delayed decision on Google's export request may revolve around upcoming trade negotiations and general-news agendas.
