"Processing Deadline Extended Until Supplementation Is Completed at Applicant's Request"
Apple Makes Second Attempt Two Years After Initial Application Was Denied in February 2023
Overseas Export Review Committee with Relevant Ministries to Deliberate
The government has once again postponed its final decision on Apple's application to export high-precision domestic map data overseas. The processing period for the civil petition has been further extended as Apple has requested to supplement its application.
On December 5, the National Geographic Information Institute under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced, "As Apple has requested additional time to supplement its application for the export of high-precision map data, we have decided to extend the processing deadline until the supplementary work is completed."
This measure is based on the Enforcement Decree of the Civil Petitions Handling Act and the Enforcement Decree of the Administrative Procedures Act, which stipulate that the period for supplementation requested by the applicant is not included in the civil petition processing period.
On June 16, Apple formally submitted a civil petition to the National Geographic Information Institute, seeking approval to export domestic high-precision map data at a scale of 1:5,000. This is Apple's second attempt, following its initial application for export in February 2023. At that time, the government rejected the request, citing concerns over national security.
Regarding this latest application, the government already extended the processing deadline by 60 days in September and is currently conducting an in-depth review of related matters. Apple is currently preparing its position on issues such as security measures for video data, restrictions on coordinate information, the installation of domestic servers, and post-management plans. The company is expected to submit a supplementary application including these details.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport explained, "Once the supplementary application is completed, the Overseas Export Review Committee-composed of relevant ministries including the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Science and ICT-will deliberate and make a final decision."
The government's high-precision map data is considered a key resource that can be utilized in advanced technologies such as autonomous driving and spatial information services. Exporting this data overseas is regarded as a matter that could have sensitive implications for national security and industrial competitiveness. Global IT companies such as Apple have continuously requested approval to export high-precision map data in order to enhance the quality of their services.
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