South Korea in a tough spot over Google’s request for map data

Posted on : 2016-06-21 16:57 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Street and location info has been controlled for national security reasons, but Seoul risks resisting tech trends

Seoul is in a quandary over Google’s request to allow South Korean map data to be taken overseas. If it agrees, it risks being accused of special treatment toward Google and discrimination against domestic businesses, as well as endangering national security. If it refuses, critics could accuse it of bucking technological development trends and undermining efforts to draw in foreign tourists and promote the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Behind-the-scenes pressure tactics by Washington are creating a further headache.

A closed-door working-level meeting to discuss Google’s request to allow map data to be taken overseas is being held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Unification; Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning; Ministry of National Defense; Ministry of Security and Public Administration; Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; and National Intelligence Service. The ministries and agencies are to share their opinions about the request.

“This is the first time Google has ever requested to be allowed to carry out map data itself,” said a government source. “It looks like the discussions will focus on a full range of issues, including national security, effects on industry, and tax issues.”

Google’s request for Seoul to allow the overseas transport of map data came on June 2. As a reason for the request, Google Korea explained that it was “based on the determination that we could no longer stand by and watch while foreign tourists experience inconvenience and the self-driving cars that many South Korean businesses and start-ups have been developing with Google are rendered useless in South Korea.”

Map data is coveted not just by Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon, but also by China’s global internet service providers - another reason Seoul’s next move is drawing so much attention.

The term “map data” refers to addresses, building and area names, and other information that goes into maps. They can be combined with satellite information to form detailed and three-dimensional maps. They offer the potential to provide more convenient services for daily life - but also create security risks with the exposure of security-related facilities. The Act on the Establishment, Management, etc. of Spatial Data cites national security as a reason for prohibiting the leaking of detailed map data overseas. Domestic map and street guide services delete or obscure areas seen as directly related to security, including the Blue House and major military facilities. In the past, Google has provided domestic map services in partnership with SK Telecom.

Opinions within the government are divided. The Ministry of National Defense and National Intelligence Service oppose the move because of its potential security impact. The National Geographic Information Institute, which collects, produces, and manages map data, is also against it.

In contrast, the Foreign, Trade, and Culture and Tourism Ministries have reportedly agreed not to oppose it because of demands from Washington, the convenience of foreign tourists, and the upcoming Pyeongchang Olympics. The Future Planning Ministry has agreed with the need to allow free use to promote the internet service industry and technological development, but has not stated an official position because the matter is security-related.

Meanwhile, domestic businesses have voiced their opposition on grounds of discrimination and what they see as support for Google’s tax evasion.

“Domestic providers offer services that delete or obscure national security-related areas according to law,” said one industry source. “But because of Google’s principle [of providing identical services throughout the world], that isn’t likely to be the case for Google.”

“In that case, it’s a matter of discrimination against domestic services.”

Another industry source said Google “claims [the request] is for the convenience of foreign tourists, but it looks more like its real goal is to pursue new projects like location-based advertising and self-driving cars in South Korea without being subject to government regulations or review.”

Experts said all of the problems could be resolved cleanly by Google installing a separate server computer in South Korea to manage map data. The approach has the advantage of allowing Google to abide by domestic laws and policies while also forcing it to pay local taxes. In the past, Google has escaped the reach of government policies and laws - and avoided tax obligations - on the grounds that it has no physical workplace in South Korea.

Regarding the idea of establishing a separate server in South Korea to resolve the issue, Google said, “The physical location of a server or data is meaningless in a world where everything is connected online.”

“If we don’t provide the service, we don’t provide the service, but we cannot change our principles.”

By Kim So-youn, staff reporter

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]

 

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