Apple's request for Korea's precision map data to complicate Google's bid

Demonstrations of Apple's Find My function in Korea. Courtesy of Apple

Apple’s request to export Korea’s high-precision map data is emerging as a new factor in the government’s deliberation over a similar bid from Google, as Apple appears more receptive to Seoul’s restraints over security concerns.

According to government officials, Wednesday, Apple filed its application with the state-run National Geographic Information Institute on Monday, seeking approval to transfer detailed 1:5,000-scale map data for use in its map services.

Apple is currently using base map data provided by Tmap Mobility, a navigation service unit under SK Group, for its map-based services. The company is believed to have filed the transfer request to enable overseas development aimed at enhancing the quality of its maps.

This is Apple's second attempt to export Korea’s high-precision map data after an initial request was denied in February 2023, after the government and the U.S. tech giant failed to narrow their differences over national security concerns.

This time, Apple reportedly expressed its intention to “comply with the government’s requirements” related to measures to address security concerns. Details remain under wraps, but officials assume that Apple will likely accept the government’s demand to blur, camouflage or downgrade resolution on images of sensitive sites, as domestic map operators such as Naver and Kakao already do.

This contrasts with Google’s offer to partially accept the government’s requirements. While making its third request for a map data transfer in February, Google noted that it would blur and downgrade the resolution, but at the same time demanded the government reveal the exact coordinates of sensitive sites.

Google has also refused the government’s demand to install domestic servers that would allow real-time updates to its map data. Google claims that the data needs to be stored in the cloud due to security, but the government believes in the importance of local server infrastructure, citing capabilities for emergency response. Apple maintains server infrastructure in Korea.

The government must decide on Google’s request by Aug. 11, while the deadline for Apple’s request is expected to come in September.

The map data transfer is one of the key subjects in the ongoing tariff negotiations between Korea and the U.S., as President Donald Trump labeled the restriction as a “nontariff barrier.”

Since Seoul has been facing growing pressure to address the nontariff barrier, industry officials note that Apple’s receptive approach is providing the government a chance to gain leverage in the negotiations while addressing security concerns at the same time.

"Since the government has maintained that it will make a decision after comprehensively considering national security, trade friction with foreign companies and fairness among domestic firms, Apple’s proposal could be deemed reasonable in terms of fairness,” an industry official said.

“In that case, the government would also have grounds to defend itself against U.S. claims of nontariff barriers … If the government grants Apple’s request, it will be more difficult for Google to adhere to its demands.”