South Korea Delays Google Map Data Export Over Security, US Pressure

South Korea has postponed its decision on Google's request to export high-precision map data overseas, citing national security concerns and pressure from the United States, which views the restrictions as a non-tariff trade barrier. Google argues that access to detailed mapping data is essential for providing accurate navigation services and has offered to comply with security measures, including blurring sensitive locations. However, South Korea remains cautious due to ongoing tensions with North Korea and the desire to protect domestic mapping companies, notably Naver and Kakao, which currently control local digital map data stored on domestic servers. The issue has become a significant point of contention in U.S.-South Korea trade relations and is expected to influence discussions at a forthcoming summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. While Google currently provides limited map information using publicly available lower-resolution data, the export of more detailed data would enhance navigation services but raises concerns over digital sovereignty and national security. This ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between economic openness, technological innovation, and national defense in the context of international trade.