Google Reports Blurring South Korean Sites

(MENAFN) Google announced on Tuesday that it will censor certain areas and satellite mapping features in South Korea in response to the nation's "national security concerns."

The tech giant revealed it would "take additional security measures, including blurring sensitive facilities on Google Maps and Google Earth," according to a company declaration.

The statement, referencing Cris Turner, the corporation’s vice president for government affairs and public policy, emphasized Google's intention to protect sensitive data.

According to Google, satellite images from across the globe are accessible for purchase by the public.

"We have already confirmed our commitment with the (South) Korean government to blur satellite images as required," the company added, noting that it is also considering the use of images sourced from authorized Korean entities when suitable.

This declaration comes just before a government advisory group is set to convene on Friday.

The committee is anticipated to determine whether to accept Google’s application to export South Korea’s high-resolution 1:5,000-scale mapping data, as reported by a news agency.

Google initially submitted the request back in February, seeking to move the mapping data to its international data centers.

However, the proposal has prompted apprehension over the possible disclosure of South Korean defense installations and other protected sites.

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