Startup Alliance announced that it held a discussion forum on 'The impact of the export of domestic map data on the national industry' with the parliamentary research group 'Forum for Structural Reform for Sustainable Growth' and the Digital Economy Forum at the National Assembly's Hall 1 seminar room on the 12th.
This forum was organized to find a balance between industrial competitiveness, data sovereignty, and ecosystem development in the context of Google's recent demand for the export of domestic high-precision map data.
Representative of the Forum for Structural Reform for Sustainable Growth, Koh Dong-jin, a member of the People Power Party, noted in his opening remarks that "The issue of the export of high-precision map data is a matter that must be considered not only from a national security standpoint but also regarding maintaining the competitiveness of our industrial ecosystem and the fair use of national assets created by taxes," adding, "I will work with you to protect South Korea's map data sovereignty and to strengthen future industrial competitiveness and data sovereignty."
The first presentation was given by Professor Mo Jung-hoon of Yonsei University on the topic of 'The value of high-precision maps and the impact of their export.' Professor Mo mentioned, "The economic value of high-precision maps is currently around 342 trillion won and is projected to reach 796 trillion won by 2030," emphasizing the importance of utilizing map data as a core resource akin to oil in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
In particular, he stated, "While the number of Google Maps users is 2 billion, the number of Naver Map users is only 30 million," adding, "In this situation, the export of maps is likely to accelerate the weakening of competitiveness among domestic platform corporations and there are concerns that key future services will be accessed at high prices by global corporations."
Then, Professor Jeon Sung-min of Gachon University presented on 'The utilization of national assets by foreign corporations from a tax perspective.' Professor Jeon remarked, "The search data, consumption patterns, and location information of our people are social assets with the nature of public goods," and noted, "While global big tech corporations utilize national assets directly and indirectly to increase their revenue, they evade corresponding taxes or social responsibilities in South Korea."
He also argued that "Considering the utilization of data, including map data, belonging to our citizens, transparent regulations and appropriate compensation measures should be prepared policy-wise as they are utilized for improving global big tech companies' algorithms and product development and enhancing market dominance."
The subsequent comprehensive discussion was chaired by Professor Lee Sang-woo of Yonsei University, who discussed various issues with experts from academia, industry, and government.
Concerns regarding security related to the transfer of map data were also raised during the discussion. Professor Lee Seung-yeop of Pukyong National University emphasized, "We must be cautious about transferring domestic security information to foreign corporations whose administrative powers do not function properly, and matters related to national security should not be discussed on the same level as trade issues."
He further mentioned cases where Ukrainian confidential military facilities were exposed on Google Maps and instances where our government requested Google to process high-resolution images of major domestic security facilities but received no response.
Discussions on policy direction also continued. Professor Lee Chang-jun of Sungkyunkwan University claimed that "The utilization of high-precision map data should be examined from the triple perspectives of public interest, security, and industrial use" and argued that to respond to technological hegemony, a strategy integrating industry, taxes, and legislation must be established.
Go Jang-won, Director of the Digital Economy Trade Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, "The government is currently in discussions on Google's request for the export of high-precision maps by forming an overseas export consultation body," adding, "From the ministry's perspective, we are closely considering various interests such as tourism and location information industries."
Finally, Professor Lee Sang-woo of Yonsei University, who chaired the discussion forum that day, emphasized, "Map data is not just a simple navigation tool, but the foundation that drives the entire digital industry in the era of AI," stating, "Protecting information sovereignty is the path to securing national future competitiveness."