Gov't rejects Google's request for map data

Efforts of Google to take the South Korean government’s mapping data out of country have failed at last. For the past nine years, the U.S.-based Internet service provider had asked the government to allow it to export detailed mapping data of the Korean Peninsula and the government rejected its request.

A joint government council on map service export held its 3rd meeting at the National Geographic Information Institute on Nov. 18 and decided to reject the Google’s request.

“The government decided not to allow Google to take government-supplied map data outside the country," said Choi Byeong-nam, the director of the institute. "We suggested Google to come up with supplementary measures, such as security treatment of Google’s satellite images, to relieve security concerns, but Google did not accept this.” The decision has been made as concerns about national security outweighed benefits from exporting the country’s mapping data to Google considering that the two Koreas are still confronting each other.

The government had proposed granting permission to Google to use local mapping data for Google Maps if the company would blur sensitive information on South Korean military facilities on its satellite map or using low-resolution maps for concerns over precision attacks on major security facilities in time of emergency. It has been said that Google refused such offer of the government based on the company's principle of providing the latest and optimal services to its users.

Choi said that the institute would reconsider if Google changes its position. There is no limit on the count and timing of requesting mapping data export. However, it is unlikely that the government would permit the request if Google does not accept the Korean government’s proposals.

Google said that it also considers national security as a very important issue, but the latest decision of the Korean government is regrettable, adding that the company will make efforts to offer map services within the scope of the relevant laws. Google provides its basic map service in Korea that significantly reduces the ranges of features that the company can offer due to the government’s restrictions.

South Korean IT companies have welcomed the government’s decision but seem to be concerned about countermeasures. South Korea’s popular web portal Naver, which provides the map service to its users, said that the company would continue to make innovative efforts in order not to lag behind global companies in the competition of map-based industry.

Ga-In son gain@donga.com