The government is reportedly leaning towards accepting Google's request for the export of high-precision Korean maps, and Google is also said to be positively considering building a 'data center' in Korea. Previously, Google argued that "Google Maps is a cloud-based global service, so data needs to be distributedly stored on servers around the world, including the US and the European Union (EU)," while the Korean government countered that "precise map data must be stored on domestic national security servers according to the Spatial Information Management Act." This suggests that one of the 'digital non-tariff barriers' used as a pretext for US tariff pressure may be resolved.
A trade authority official said on the 19th, "Allowing Google to export high-resolution precise maps has narrowed down to a card that can be conceded," adding, "Google agreed to accept the government's request for blurring (blurring) treatment of security facilities such as military bases and placing servers domestically within a reasonable range." The government is also pushing forward with a plan to set limits on the extent of map exports to foreign countries even if Google sets up servers in Korea, but restricts sensitive information. Earlier, Jaimeus Grear, US Trade Representative (USTR) representative, stated his position that even if the Special Act for Foreign Investment passes the National Assembly, tariffs could be raised unless digital service non-tariff barriers such as the export of high-precision maps to Google are resolved. The Korea-US trade authorities are scheduled to hold a meeting of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Implementation Committee soon to discuss these matters.
(Omitted)
▶ Original source: https://n.news.naver.com/article/081/0003619087?sid=101
