Google has agreed to follow South Korea’s order to blur sensitive areas on its satellite maps. This move could help Google compete more effectively with local navigation apps.
South Korea is one of the few countries where Google Maps is limited because of strict rules that require companies to keep geospatial data inside the country.
Google had resisted this rule for years, giving local companies like Naver and Kakao a strong advantage in navigation services. Many tourists had to rely on these local apps instead of Google Maps.
On September 9, Google confirmed that it would follow South Korea’s rules.
“We have already promised the government to blur satellite images as needed, and we will also look into getting approved images from Korean companies,” said Google Vice President Cris Turner.
This announcement could end a long dispute that lasted nearly 20 years. Google had wanted full access to South Korea’s detailed map data to provide complete driving and walking directions.
However, the government had repeatedly denied this request due to national security concerns.
Turner added that Google would put in a lot of effort to make sure security facility locations are removed from its maps.
Access to Google Maps has been part of trade discussions between South Korea and the United States.
The presidential office said talks focused on high-precision map data but clarified that South Korea had not made any extra concessions.
Industry insiders told AFP that discussions between Seoul and Washington are still ongoing, and exporting high-precision maps could still be considered in the future.
