Google Gets Approval for High-Precision Maps as Naver and Kakao Step Up Navigation Race

At a glance

Google can now take high-precision map data out of South Korea after about 20 years of dispute, because it met the security conditions the government set. Google Maps may be updated with this data as early as the end of this year. Domestic map companies are racing to strengthen their services in response.

Key points

• The government confirmed on the 13th that Google met the security conditions it had been given in February.
• Required steps included blurring military and security sites in satellite, aerial and street-view images, limiting display of Korean coordinates, and setting up an emergency response system and a local manager.
• Some blurring steps were already done temporarily, and more measures have been announced.
• Naver added a 'Place Agent' to its map app in September that recommends places from everyday language and can book them.

Why it matters

Foreign map services can now use detailed Korean map data, which could change how people find routes and places in Korea. Domestic companies are worried about unequal rules.

Other coverage

• 뉴시스 · 20년 끈 韓 정밀지도 반출 논의에 마침표…구글, 정부 요구안 모두 수용
• 동아일보 · 정부, 구글 고정밀지도 반출 보안이행 확인…위반 시 허가 회수
• 중앙일보 · 정부 “구글, 고정밀지도 반출 보안조건 이행…위반 시 회수”
• KBC광주방송 · [속보]구글 맵 '고정밀 지도' 숙원 깼다…국내 지도·모빌리티 지각변동 예고
• 연합뉴스 · 정부 "구글, 고정밀지도 좌표제거·영상 보안처리 이행"(종합)
• 경향신문 · Google Maps to strengthen services in Korea as early as next year···Naver·Kakao and others ‘on edge’
• 매일경제 마켓 · '구글내비'로 길찾기 가능…국내 지도앱 지각변동 예고
• 연합뉴스TV · 구글 지도 달라진다…"고정밀지도 반출 조건 충족"

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