South Korea delays decision on Google’s map data export request: Report

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has delayed a decision on Google’s request to export map data, says news agency Reuters. As per the report, the ministry said that it will make a final ruling once the tech giant submits additional documents.

In its statement, the ministry further revealed that the country’s National Geographic Information Institute will give Google 60 business days until February 5, 2026 to submit the additional material before making a decision.

What is Google asking

According to the report, Google is seeking approval to export South Korea's 1:5,000-scale map data, equivalent to 50 metres per centimetre, which the company says is the same scale used by domestic map services provided by Kakao Corp and Naver.The tech giant currently operates with 1:25,000-scale data, which it claims is insufficient to support reliable navigation.South Korea has previously rejected Google’s request seeking permission to use map data on servers outside the country, in 2016 and 2007. The country then cited security concerns as the reason for denying the request.Consequently, in September this year, Google said that it will comply with the country’s security request. Google further committed to coordinate information for areas within the country that is not displayed to any users, either inside or outside South Korea, the report said. Google has also agreed to blur images of South Korea’s security facilities. The latest Reuters report states that Google is yet to file an updated application reflecting this, arguing inconsistencies between Google's earlier statements and its submissions were making the review difficult.