South Korea Postpones Decision To Let Google Maps Work Properly - Again (theguardian.com) 18
South Korea postponed a decision for the second time this year on Friday regarding Google's request to export detailed mapping data to overseas servers, which would enable full Google Maps functionality in the country. The inter-agency committee extended the deadline from August to October to allow further review of security concerns and consultations with industry stakeholders.
South Korea remains one of only a handful of countries alongside China and North Korea where Google Maps fails to function properly, unable to provide directions despite displaying landmarks and businesses. Tourism complaints increased 71% last year, with Google Maps accounting for 30% of all app-related grievances, while local industry groups representing 2,600 companies report 90% opposition to Google's request due to fears of market domination by the US tech company.
South Korea remains one of only a handful of countries alongside China and North Korea where Google Maps fails to function properly, unable to provide directions despite displaying landmarks and businesses. Tourism complaints increased 71% last year, with Google Maps accounting for 30% of all app-related grievances, while local industry groups representing 2,600 companies report 90% opposition to Google's request due to fears of market domination by the US tech company.
Yep (Score:2)
Went there at the later part of last decade and was stunned at how limited it was. At least Apple Maps worked, but I really never thought it would be the same situation still in 2025.
Kettle (Score:1)
You guys get to dominate smartphones, so we can dominate e-maps. If you start a protectionism war, The Donald will inject chaos into everything.
SAMSUNG isn't limited in the US (Score:1)
Why is it (scream about tariffs notwithstanding) that Korea can hobble US company products while insisting their own products (Samsung, SK Hynix chips) are unresricted on the planet?
If you want a free and open market than quit muzzling Google.
Note: I'm not suggesting limiting Samsung or SK Hynix in retaliation. I'm just pointing out South Korea is being stupid. And again that's ignoring orange-poop's talentless know-nothing-about-economics tariffs.
Re: (Score:3)
Korea isn't hobbling US company products, they are passing laws regarding data use. Google is more than welcome to setup local systems to get mapping functioning without exporting user data.
But let's address your thinking for a moment. Why is your default first thought: "Why is this poor USA based company restricted in Korea?" rather than asking the far more sane question of "Why don't we have strict data protection laws in the USA?"
Are you oblivious or just desperate to lick the boots of corporations while
Re: (Score:3)
Street names are not private information.
This is not about privacy. If it were, it would be consumers complaining, rather than competitors.
Re: (Score:2)
You're applying American thinking to somewhere not in America. What you consider private is not relevant. Your face isn't private, but that doesn't mean in Germany the faces aren't blurred out as people are captured by street cameras.
Having laws to keep information in a certain country is a good thing. But also you're knowledge of the issue is lacking given that all street names are listed in South Korea already. There's more to this than you want to admit.
Re: (Score:2)
But let's address your thinking for a moment. Why is your default first thought: "Why is this poor USA based company restricted in Korea?" rather than asking the far more sane question of "Why don't we have strict data protection laws in the USA?"
Data protection is a valid concern, but keeping public data private is sorta mind boggling.
Moreover, the really big question is why Korea is lumped in with China and North Korea for this particular concern. European countries have better data protection laws without crippling maps software. It's not that hard to do.
Re: (Score:2)
Why is it
To promote domestic industries.
If you want free and open markets
Free and open markets require the muzzling of bad actors, freedom ain't free.
I don't buy the idea they can't make GPS work without exporting a bunch of data, either. I can believe they're not interested enough in the Korean market to make a product for them. Other GPS manufacturers make compliant products.
Google Maps works in China (Score:1)
Gonna a need a vpn, and the sat images dont align with the toon versions of the maps, but just use the toon version and it will show you exactly where you are. China forces them to offset the sat map from the true map.
Re: (Score:1)
The law prevents the exportation of high detail maps. Since it would be illegal to have the maps on non-korean systems the use the navigation as current is is also illegal.
How they determined that navigation is what makes a map high detail I don't known.
Other companies should work (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
the main maps people use for navigation are naver and kakato, naver being the top. Waze does work but they don't keep their locations of cameras and speed zones as current as naver.
My Google maps is broken too (Score:2)
Seriously, I’ve kost the last bit of trust and respect for when Google changed that name,
What used to be their motto? “Don’t be evil” or something?
Google makes Microsoft look like a trustworthy company with good intentions.