Google's Request for Map Data: National Assembly Proposes Mandatory Domestic Data Center Legislation

In response to Google's persistent requests for high-precision map data, the National Assembly has put forth a strong countermeasure termed 'Mandatory Domestic Data Center'.

According to the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on the 21st, the Democratic Party of Korea introduced an amendment to the Spatial Information Management Act on the 16th, clarifying the conditions for overseas companies to export domestic map data.

If this legislation passes, foreign companies like Google will be required to establish data centers in South Korea and implement the security measures mandated by the government in order to obtain domestic high-precision map data.

Key Focus: Domestic Data Center Installation and Security Compliance

This amendment permits the export of spatial information with a basic measurement standard and allows for maps at a scale of 1:25,000 or less, explicitly stating the requirement for domestic data center installation and compliance with security measures set forth by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Specific security measures are expected to include blur masking for secure facilities, camouflage, and low-resolution processing, although the specifics may vary based on the government's decisions.

Even if this amendment is passed, the export of high-precision maps will still be restricted.

High-precision maps at a scale of 1:5,000 provide details so precise that a distance of 50 meters would be represented as 1 centimeter on the map, posing a significant risk of exposing military facilities or security-related information.

Contrasting Responses from Apple and Google

Apple has already installed domestic servers and reportedly is willing to comply with government requirements concerning security concerns.

In contrast, Google has yet to accept the conditions for establishing a domestic data center.

In February, Google submitted a request for high-precision map data export to the National Geographic Information Institute under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Recently, Apple also inquired about exporting domestic map data at a scale of 1:5,000.

Both companies are currently utilizing domestic high-precision location data under a contract with Tmap Mobility.

This marks Google's third request following those made in 2007 and 2016. They argue that high-precision maps are necessary to enhance the relatively low accuracy of the domestic Google Maps service.

However, the government has not permitted exports thus far due to concerns over potential leaks of military and security facility information.

The government must complete the review of Google’s map export request by August 11 and is likely to consider Apple's request at the same time.

Image Sources: Unrelated reference photos / gettyimagesbank, Google Maps, Reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank