Google has agreed to comply with South Korea’s demand to blur sensitive satellite images on its mapping services, a move that could allow the US tech giant to compete more effectively with local navigation platforms.
South Korea is one of the few countries where Google Maps does not fully function due to strict laws requiring companies to store geospatial data domestically, a requirement Google had long resisted. As a result, local firms such as Naver and Kakao have dominated the navigation market, leaving many foreign visitors reliant on less familiar platforms.
On Tuesday, September 9, Google confirmed for the first time that it would adhere to Seoul’s conditions.
“We have already confirmed our commitment with the government to blur satellite images as required and we’ll be exploring acquiring imagery from approved Korean third parties where appropriate,” Google Vice President Cris Turner told reporters.
The announcement signals a potential resolution to a dispute spanning nearly two decades. Google had argued for access to South Korea’s detailed mapping data to enable full driving and walking directions, but authorities had consistently rejected the request, citing national security concerns.
Turner said Google would invest significant resources in ensuring that the coordinates of security facilities are removed from its maps.
The issue of Google Maps access has featured in South Korea’s trade negotiations with the United States. The South Korean presidential office said discussions between trade ministers placed heavy emphasis on high-precision mapping data but insisted there had been “no additional concession on our part in that area.”
Industry sources told AFP that talks between Seoul and Washington are ongoing, with the possible export of high-precision maps still under consideration.
