South Korea says Google meets security conditions for map data export

South Korea says Google has met security conditions for a permit to export high-precision map data.

The permit, granted in February, reversed Seoul’s long-standing refusal of Google’s requests, which it had rejected in 2007 and 2016 over security concerns.

Google must prevent restricted coordinates and sensitive military sites from being exposed on Google Maps and Google Earth, including their web and mobile versions.

The government says Google has set up controls for its services, and Street View imagery inside and around military and security facilities will also be removed.

Google will use security-processed map imagery from domestic partners, and it must load that imagery without changes.

The arrangement is limited to static map details such as roads, buildings and addresses, not users’ personal data or live location information.

The government can suspend or revoke the permit if serious breaches occur, while the review’s approval may increase competition with local mapping services.