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South Korea Weighs Security Against Trade in Google Map Data Dispute

By  |  August 10, 2025
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South Korea has delayed a decision on whether to grant Google permission to export local map data, extending the review period by 60 days amid ongoing trade discussions with the United States, according to Reuters. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Friday that the National Geographic Information Institute would give Google more time to propose measures addressing national security concerns.

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    The move comes as Seoul and Washington prepare for a potential leaders’ summit later this month, following a trade agreement reached in late July. While it remains unclear if the map data issue will be part of the summit agenda, it has been a longstanding point of contention in bilateral talks, per Reuters.

    Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has previously seen similar requests denied in 2007 and 2016 over fears that sensitive military locations could be exposed if the data were stored on overseas servers. The South Korean government has cited the unresolved state of war with North Korea as a reason for maintaining tight controls on geospatial information.

    According to Reuters, U.S. officials have argued that such restrictions act as non-tariff barriers, limiting the ability of American companies like Google and Apple to operate full-scale navigation services in South Korea. Google maintains that its mapping data poses no security risk, noting that the information is already publicly available and reviewed by government agencies. The company said it is in discussions with South Korean authorities about additional safeguards, including purchasing blurred imagery from approved local providers.

    Read more: Google Agrees to Competition Reforms in Automotive and Mapping Services

    South Korea has resisted making concessions on the map data issue, as well as on agricultural market access, despite intensive early negotiations. Transport Minister Kim Yoon-duk recently emphasized the need to be “very cautious” in granting map export rights, stating that defense and public safety take precedence over trade concerns.

    Google has said that the current restrictions hamper the effectiveness of its Maps service in the country, creating inconveniences for foreign visitors. The new 60-day window will determine whether the tech giant can reach a compromise with the government that satisfies both security priorities and U.S. trade interests.

    Source: Reuters