Google Agrees to Blur Sensitive Satellite Images on Maps in South Korea, Ending 18-Year Dispute

Google will comply with South Korea's demand to blur sensitive satellite images on its mapping services, allowing the tech giant to compete better with local navigation platforms. This follows a nearly two-decade dispute over access to detailed South Korean maps. Google will invest resources to remove the coordinates of security facilities from its maps. The move paves the way for Google Maps to fully function in South Korea, where it has been restricted due to local laws requiring companies to store core geospatial data locally.

Google has announced its intention to comply with South Korea's demand to blur sensitive satellite images on its mapping services, a significant step towards resolving a long-standing dispute over access to detailed South Korean maps. This move is expected to allow Google Maps to function more effectively in the country, where it has been restricted due to local laws requiring companies to store core geospatial data locally.

The decision comes after nearly two decades of attempts by Google to gain access to detailed mapping data from South Korea. The company has faced resistance due to national security concerns, with the government arguing that the data is highly sensitive and could be misused. Google, however, maintains that the data has already undergone security screening and is used by domestic companies for navigation.

As part of its compliance, Google has agreed to remove the coordinates of security facilities from its maps. The company has also committed to exploring the acquisition of imagery from approved Korean third-party providers. These measures are part of Google's broader strategy to deepen partnerships with local companies, including T Map Mobility, if its application for access to high-precision map data is approved.

The move to blur satellite images and remove coordinates from Google Maps is a significant concession by the company, reflecting its commitment to addressing South Korea's security concerns. It is also a step towards resolving broader trade discussions between South Korea and the United States, where restrictions on mapping data have been a point of contention.

Google's compliance with South Korea's demand is likely to have implications for the local mapping market, which has been dominated by domestic firms such as Naver and Kakao. The increased competition from Google Maps could potentially reshape the market dynamics, although the extent of this impact remains to be seen.

In summary, Google's compliance with South Korea's demand to blur sensitive satellite images on its mapping services marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to gain access to detailed South Korean maps. The move is expected to enhance Google Maps' functionality in the country and could have broader implications for the local mapping market.

References:
[1] https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-09-09/business/industry/In-firstofitskind-proposal-Google-offers-to-strip-coordinates-for-Seouls-map-approval/2394938
[2] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/south-korea-google-maps-obey-order-blur-satellite-images-5339476