South Korea opens the door to let Google Maps operate fully

South Korea has granted Google conditional approval to export high-precision geographic data from the country, enabling Google Maps to offer full services such as walking and real-time driving directions. This decision reverses a long-standing policy dating back to 2011 that restricted the export of detailed map data over national security concerns, particularly the risk of exposing sensitive military sites amid ongoing tensions with North Korea. Previously, Google Maps in South Korea operated with limited functionality using lower-resolution map data that could not be exported to its servers, preventing features like turn-by-turn navigation and detailed business listings. The approval comes with strict conditions designed to protect national security. The South Korean government will verify compliance before any data leaves the country, requiring that images and historical imagery obscure sensitive military sites and that coordinate data be limited or removed except for essential navigation purposes. Data processing must occur on servers operated by Google’s local partners, and sensitive topographic and military data remain off-limits. The government also plans to implement a “security incident prevention and