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⚖️South Korea Pushes Google to Keep Sensitive Data in the Country

Author

Liam Gill
May 31, 2025

In partnership with

South Korea Delays Google’s High-Precision Mapping Request—Again

South Korea has once again postponed its decision on whether to allow Google to export detailed map data from the country to its international servers. This marks Google’s third attempt since 2011 to obtain approval for using a 1:5,000 scale high-precision map within South Korea. The government is cautious, citing national security concerns and the need for Google to host the data locally—a condition Google has not yet agreed to. The decision is now delayed until August 11, leaving global tech firms in limbo about how geospatial data will be treated in the region.

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Implications for Global Tech Startups in Mapping and AI

For startups working with location-based services, navigation, autonomous vehicles, or AI models that rely on geospatial data, South Korea’s firm stance underscores a broader trend: nations are increasingly protective of high-resolution geographic data. Without approval to export map data, companies like Google are left offering a reduced experience (e.g., 1:25,000 scale), creating major usability gaps. Startups that hope to operate globally must factor in data localization laws and understand that in some regions, access to precise mapping data may be limited or conditional.

What Startups Should Be Thinking About

If your startup relies on mapping data, especially at high precision or for real-time applications (like delivery, mobility, or spatial AI), be aware that:

  • Geopolitics can override product functionality. Expect restrictions in countries with heightened national security concerns.

  • Local partnerships may offer a workaround. Working with domestic providers like Naver or Kakao could give you access to detailed maps while staying compliant.

  • Data localization is gaining traction. Governments may condition access to sensitive data on building infrastructure locally. Startups should anticipate these requirements in expansion strategies.

This situation is a reminder that “global scale” isn’t always achievable with a single product architecture.

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