National Assembly Questions Google’s Map Export Request Amidst Dokdo & security Concerns
During the 2025 National Defense Commission audit on October 13th, lawmakers heavily scrutinized Google Korea regarding its request to export high-precision maps, raising concerns over potential security risks and the company’s handling of sensitive geographical designations. The audit,held at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan-gu,Seoul,featured testimony from Google Korea Vice President Hwang Seong-hye.
The criticism stemmed from past instances where Google services displayed the East Sea as the “Sea of Japan” and referred to Dokdo as ”Takeshima,” especially in weather information provided domestically last August. Democratic Party lawmaker Boo Seung-chan highlighted these instances, emphasizing the government’s obligation to ensure accurate map representations.
Google Korea defended its practices as adhering to a global map service principle, with Hwang Seong-hye explaining that while Dokdo is clearly designated within the region, “neutral language” is sometimes used in other areas due to the worldwide nature of its services.
However, lawmakers expressed deeper anxieties about the potential consequences of exporting high-precision maps with a scale of 1:5,000. Democratic party lawmaker Hwang Myeong-seon cited a recent incident where Google Maps incorrectly labeled the Dokdo Museum annex as the Kim Il-sung Memorial Hall annex, noting the four-hour delay in correcting the error. He further referenced the 2023 exposure of Ukrainian military maps on Google Maps,warning that a foreign nation securing detailed maps could compromise sensitive information,including VIP movement routes,protected areas,and defense strategies.
Concerns were echoed across the political spectrum. Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee also voiced apprehension regarding the export of high-precision data, while People Power party lawmaker Seong Il-jong requested Google to disclose a list of countries to which map data has not been exported.
The Ministry of National Defense affirmed that security considerations would be paramount in any decision regarding map data export. Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek stated that coordinating control is easier with domestic companies like Naver, Kakao, and T Map. He reiterated the Ministry’s firm stance: “The basic position of the Ministry of National Defense is that it can only be taken out of the country if there are no security hazards.”
(Source: etnews.com, Reporter Byun Sang-geun sgbyun@etnews.com)
