2 weeks Ago By Korea Bizwire
Google’s Bid for South Korean High-Precision Maps Sparks National Security Concerns (Image courtesy of Google) SEOUL, May 1 (Korea Bizwire) — A major South Korean small business advocacy group is urging the government to reject Google’s repeated requests to export high-precision map data, warning that such a move would threaten national digital sovereignty and jeopardize local jobs in emerging industries. In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday, the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises (KFME) denounced Google’s push to acquire export approval for 1:5,000 scale digital maps and future updates, claiming the request was excessive and potentially harmful. Google’s Map Data Request Seen as Threat to Jobs, Autonomy in South Korea (Image: Google Maps) The group argued that standard-scale maps—such as those with a 1:25,000 ratio—are already sufficient for general navigation purposes.
KFME alleged that Google’s real intent lies beyond mere consumer convenience. Industry observers believe the U.S.
tech giant seeks the detailed spatial data to advance self-driving technologies, particularly for its autonomous vehicle subsidiary Waymo, which has already launched driverless taxi services in the U.S. and Japan.
“Maps at this level of precision contain sensitive information on public infrastructure, schools, hospitals, apartment complexes, and small businesses,” KFME stated. “If exported, this data could be used not only for autonomous driving, but also for a wide range of location-based services, potentially undermining the domestic ecosystem.” The group warned that handing over such geospatial data to a foreign platform operator could lead to “digital colonization,” leaving South Korea’s burgeoning spatial information industry in the shadow of global tech giants.
KFME also echoed concerns raised last week by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which cited the likely negative impact on jobs in the taxi and ride-hailing industries. Officials warned that the adoption of foreign autonomous vehicle services could displace hundreds of thousands of workers across the country. The business group’s statement comes amid speculation that South Korea’s government may be softening its stance due to broader trade considerations, including the easing of non-tariff barriers as part of a response to U.
S. tariff policies. “Allowing the export of high-precision mapping data would be tantamount to surrendering a national asset,” KFME said.
“We call on the government to firmly oppose any undue demands from multinational platform operators and protect the future of South Korea’s digital and small business economy.” Kevin Lee ( [email protected] ).
