Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport: “Google Maps will be exported and permission will be suspended if conditions are not met”

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Hong Ji-seon said on the 23rd regarding the export of Google's high-precision maps overseas, "If conditions are not met, the permit can be suspended or recalled at the earliest possible date."

On this day, during the comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, Rep. Jeong Dong-man of the People's Power Party asked about measures to be taken if Google does not fulfill the conditions for exporting maps, and said, "We plan to export them after verifying and confirming such a situation."

Representative Jeong presented Google Maps, which shows the Gori Nuclear Power Plant in Gijang-gun, Busan, as data and pointed out, “The location of the building, hangar, and detailed layout are all clearly visible,” and “It is a national security facility, but Google is just exposing it.”

He then asked, “Now, we are going to ask for guidance from all kinds of foreign companies, including Apple and MS. If Google sets a precedent, is there any justification for (the government) to reject the application?”

Minister Hong responded, “I think it should be applied the same way.”

Regarding Rep. Jeong's request to report on the progress, export decision, and post-export measures regarding the export of Google Maps, he said, "We will continue to periodically confirm and verify the implementation of these matters."

The government held the 'Survey Results Export Overseas Consultative Group' in February of this year and decided to allow Google to export high-precision maps with a scale of 1 to 5,000 on the condition that domestic military and security facilities be screened and satellite and aerial photos taken of the Republic of Korea's territory are secured.