Google's Request to Export Map Data Poses Serious Security Threat... Decision Must Be Made with Caution

"Security Control Impossible Once Data Is Exported Abroad... Response Will Not Be Swift"
"Could Be Used as Attack Data in Modern Warfare with Drones"

Regarding Google's request to export South Korea's 1:5,000 high-precision map data, academics have raised concerns that this could pose a serious threat to national security. The reason is that in modern warfare, where drones and similar technologies are actively used, geographic information data is highly likely to be utilized for military purposes.

Lee Junghyun, a professor at the Department of Intelligent Information Security at Seoul Women's University, argued at the discussion titled "Export of High-Precision Map Data Abroad: Impact on Domestic Industry, Economy, and Security," held on the morning of the 8th at Seminar Room 3 in the National Assembly Members' Office Building, "From a security perspective, reviewing Google's request to export map data, the export of high-precision maps would pose a serious threat to national security."

Participants are taking a commemorative photo at the discussion titled "Export of High-Precision Map Data Abroad: Impact on Domestic Industry, Economy, and Security," held on the morning of the 8th at Seminar Room 3 in the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Photo by Lee Myunghwan

This is the third time Google has requested the export of South Korea's high-precision map data, following previous requests in 2007 and 2016. Earlier, in February, Google requested the export of 1:5,000 high-precision maps from the South Korean government. Google proposed to the government that it would mask security facilities, designate an executive-level liaison for communication, and establish a direct phone line. In exchange, Google requested the coordinates of these security facilities in order to mask them.

The previous two requests were denied for reasons including national security. However, there are now expectations that the map export might be approved in conjunction with the launch of the second Trump administration. President Trump is demanding the removal of non-tariff barriers from countries around the world by using tariffs as leverage. It is suggested that, in order to resolve trade issues, the South Korean government may offer approval of Google's map export as a condition.

Professor Lee warned, "Because South Korea is a divided country and must always be prepared to respond to provocations from North Korea, there is a compelling need to prevent high-resolution spatial information from being abused for terrorist or military purposes. If map data is opened to foreign entities, it would be virtually impossible to control the security of map servers, and responses would not be swift if critical information is exposed."

In fact, a comparison of 120 domestic military facilities exposed on mapping services showed that all 120 sites were visible on Google Maps. In contrast, on domestic services such as Naver and Kakao, these facilities were all masked.

During the war in Ukraine, the location of secret Ukrainian military maps was exposed on Google Maps, leading to protests from Ukrainian military authorities. It took Google a long time to take measures to prevent the exposure, and it is reported that Russia obtained the relevant map images. Professor Lee expressed concern, "In modern warfare, attacks using drones are actively carried out. If the geographic information requested by Google is provided, information about critical national facilities could be exposed and used to develop drone attack data."

Kim Sangbae, a professor at the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Seoul National University, who spoke next, explained that the ultimate goal of Google's map export request is to secure data for the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). He stated, "The hidden code behind Google's export request is access to 'AI' and 'data.' The request is being made within Google's new global initiative to connect its AI business with data."

Professor Kim suggested that, from the perspective of emerging security, South Korea must protect data sovereignty, including high-precision map data. He assessed, "Refusing Google Maps entry into the country does not mean pursuing a digital isolationist policy; rather, it demonstrates our capacity to protect our own interests within the U.S.-led digital hegemonic order."

In the ensuing discussion, Hwang Cheolsu, a professor at the Department of Geography at Kyung Hee University, also stated, "Underlying Google's request are platforms and cloud services," and added, "The government is planning to initiate research in response to Google's request." Professor Hwang emphasized that maps are a strategically important national asset, and therefore, the decision on export should not be made solely by a consultative body under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, but should be discussed at the level of the Prime Minister's Office or the Presidential Office.