Google's Request for High-Precision Maps: Review Extended Until August

The government has decided to review Google's request for high-precision map data export until August. Authorities determined that a broader consideration of national security and domestic industry is necessary before making a decision.

On May 14, the National Geographic Information Institute under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it would defer its decision on Google's application to export high-precision national base maps (1:5,000 digital topographic maps) overseas. The review period will be extended by 60 days, with a final decision expected by August 11.

Previously, in 2016, when Google made a similar request, the government also extended the review period and conducted a thorough examination. At that time, the relevant agencies' consultative body decided in November of the same year to deny the export request.

The government reached this decision at a meeting of the map export consultative body held at the National Geographic Information Institute on the same day. The consultative body is chaired by the head of the National Geographic Information Institute and includes representatives from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the National Intelligence Service, as well as one private sector member.

The consultative body has been in ongoing discussions with relevant agencies and Google. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated, "We have determined that further in-depth discussions are necessary," and added, "We plan to sufficiently gather opinions from the geospatial information industry and other stakeholders before making a final decision on the export by August 11."