The South Korean government has officially granted Google conditional approval for the export of high-precision maps, following extensive discussions among relevant ministries. This approval comes after years of resistance, citing national security concerns that had led to previous postponements of such requests since Google first sought permission in 2007. The approval stipulates strict conditions for compliance with security protocols to prevent the exposure of sensitive military information through the maps.

Under the new regulations, any high-precision maps utilized by Google Maps and Google Earth for global services must use security-processed images of South Korean territory. Additionally, features relating to military and security facilities must be obscured in both time-series images and Street View offerings. Furthermore, any geospatial coordinates related to South Korea must be removed and restricted to protect national interests. The government will oversee that only processed data that has passed review can be exported, significantly narrowing the scope of data that can leave the country while ensuring that Google can still operate its navigation and mapping services.

Interestingly, concerns about Google’s commitment to establishing local servers have not been addressed, raising eyebrows about the fairness of tax implications. Without a physical presence or fixed business location in South Korea, Google continues to incur comparatively low tax liabilities—172 billion KRW for 2024, contrasted starkly with the 3.9 trillion KRW paid by local competitor Naver. Critics argue that despite Google’s significant revenue from operations in South Korea, the lack of a fixed establishment results in an inequitable tax situation, further complicating the broader discussions of international tech corporations and their fiscal responsibilities in foreign markets.