The longstanding dispute over South Korea's restriction on the overseas transfer of geographic data has resurfaced, with US President Donald Trump having criticized the policy as a non-tariff barrier. The issue has gained renewed attention as Google recently filed a request to export high-precision mapping data for the first time in nine years.

According to industry sources on Thursday, Google applied to the National Geographic Information Institute on Feb. 18 to export 1:5,000 scale high-precision mapping data. The request includes permission to transfer digital map data updates to Google’s US headquarters and overseas data centers.

This is Google's fourth attempt to obtain approval for exporting high-precision maps or satellite imagery data. From 2007 to 2015, the company made three similar requests, all of which were rejected due to security concerns. In 2014, the government revised regulations to permit the export of 1:25,000 scale maps.

However, when Google reapplied in 2016 for the more detailed 1:5,000 scale maps, the request was denied after discussions with government agencies.

Under Korean law, the export of spatial information, including high-precision maps, requires approval from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. In cases involving national security, a special committee reviews the application. In 2023, Apple made a similar request, but there has been no precedent of allowing the overseas transfer of maps more detailed than 1:25,000 scale.

The NGII plans to conduct a security review in consultation with relevant agencies. If the case is forwarded to the inter-agency review committee, a decision must be reached within 60 days, meaning Google could receive an outcome by late April. If additional discussions are necessary, the review period may be extended by another 60 days, setting a final decision deadline for the end of June.

Google’s renewed request coincides with Trump’s recent signing of a memorandum on Feb. 21, stating that the US would retaliate against unilateral and anti-competitive policies imposed by foreign governments that harm American businesses.

Google aims to enhance its mapping services in Korea, where it currently faces limitations. While Google Maps provides comprehensive navigation and location-based advertising services globally, Korea is one of the few countries where the IT giant struggles to provide such information due to incomplete data. The company argues that domestic competitors like Naver have access to detailed maps that Google does not have.

However, the Korean government remains firm in its position. The NGII said that Google’s satellite imagery already reveals national security facilities and that integrating such imagery with high-precision maps could expose sensitive locations online. In contrast, domestic companies like Naver and Kakao comply with government regulations by censoring security-related sites.

If Google is allowed to export high-precision maps overseas, other major foreign tech companies such as Apple and Garmin, which have previously requested permission to export high-precision maps from Korea, are also likely to make similar demands.

"For now, our stance hasn't changed from nine years ago (the last time Google requested mapping data)," an official from the National Geographic Information Institute. "We are currently gathering opinions from relevant authorities, and the decision will be made in a way to benefit the national interest."

Given the significant impact on national security and industry, the IT and spatial information sectors believe that careful deliberation is necessary.

Many in the industry express concerns that Google is leveraging US government pressure without making meaningful investments in Korea.

Currently, Google does not operate data centers or servers in Korea, relying instead on facilities in the US, Singapore, Taiwan and the Netherlands. As a result, Korean users must connect to foreign servers to access Google’s services, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate over mapping data exports.

“Google could resolve the issue by relocating its servers to Korea, thereby eliminating the need for data export,” said an IT industry source, who asked for anonymity.