Industry groups representing U.S. information technology (IT) corporations, including Google and Apple, expressed strong regret over the Korean government's decision to defer the overseas transfer of high-precision map data.
The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) on the 11th (local time) issued a statement saying, "The Korean government is continually and unjustly delaying approval for the overseas transfer of digital map data," and criticized the move as "a measure that hinders the development of advanced navigation, logistics, and mobility services."
The National Geographic Information Institute of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport held a consultative body on the overseas transfer of surveying results on the 11th (Korea time), asked Google to submit a supplemental application by Feb. 5 next year, and decided to defer deliberation on its map export request. The government said Google did not submit a supplemental application that explicitly specifies restrictions on displaying latitude and longitude for Korean areas.
In response, CCIA said, "This measure further entrenches a digital trade conundrum that the U.S. government and industry have sought to resolve since 2013," and noted, "Imposing obligations to maintain local data centers on foreign corporations only creates expense burdens and competitive disadvantages." It added, "This may also run counter to the nondiscrimination principle guaranteed under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA)."
CCIA Vice President Jonathan McHale emphasized, "The Korean government should promptly approve U.S. technology corporations' applications and withdraw restrictions on exporting digital map data," adding, "Ending this policy would signal that Korea aims for an open digital market."
The Coalition of Services Industries (CSI) also said in a statement the same day, "Resolving the issue of exporting high-precision maps is a critical task for concluding service and digital agreements between Korea and the United States," and urged, "The Korean government should swiftly dismantle nontariff barriers so that U.S. corporations can provide services smoothly."
CSI added, "If this issue is resolved, Korea will enhance its competitiveness as a global tourist destination, and it will also positively affect increased investment by foreign corporations and broader consumer choice."