SEOUL — In a landmark decision that reshapes the nation’s digital landscape, the South Korean government announced on February 27, 2026, that it has conditionally approved Google’s request to export high-precision map data (1:5,000 scale) to its overseas servers. This move marks the conclusion of a nearly two-decade-long standoff between the tech giant and Seoul, primarily fueled by national security concerns.
The decision was reached during a meeting of the "Consultative Body on the Overseas Export of Survey Results," which includes representatives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Intelligence Service.
Strict Conditions: Domestic Processing and Security Blurring
The approval is far from an unrestricted green light. The government has mandated that raw, high-precision data must be processed on servers located within South Korea, operated by Google’s domestic partner companies. Only data that has undergone a rigorous government review and "security filtering" can be transferred abroad.
Crucially, the scope of the export is limited to base maps and transportation networks necessary for navigation. Sensitive information, such as contour lines (3D topographic data) and coordinates of specific military installations, is strictly excluded. Furthermore, Google is required to apply advanced security processing to obscure military and national security facilities on its global services, including Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View.
The 'Red Button' and Local Oversight
To ensure continuous compliance, the government has introduced several fail-safes. Google must implement a "Red Button" mechanism—a framework that allows the immediate suspension of data services should a direct threat to national security arise. Additionally, Google must station a "Local Responsible Officer" for Korean maps within the country to maintain a 24/7 communication channel with the government.
"We focused on whether national security risks could be technically mitigated," said a spokesperson for MOLIT. "If Google fails to meet these conditions or if a security breach occurs, the permit will be suspended or revoked immediately."
Market Impact and Global Trade
Industry analysts view this as a response to both increasing pressure from Washington—which labeled the map restrictions a "digital trade barrier"—and the growing needs of the tourism and AI sectors. While the move is expected to benefit foreign tourists who have long struggled with limited Google Maps functionality in Korea, it poses a significant challenge to domestic giants Naver and Kakao, which have dominated the local mapping market for years.
Google Vice President Cris Turner welcomed the decision, stating, "This is a significant step forward. We look forward to bringing a fully functioning Google Maps experience to South Korea, benefiting both locals and international visitors."
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