Online Platform Law and Map Export Temporarily Excluded from Tariff Negotiations

The domestic information technology (IT) industry, which was paying attention to the results of the Korea-US tariff negotiations regarding the export of high-precision map data, is relieved as the agenda was removed from the negotiation table. However, as the Korea-US summit next month and the notification of the review results on Google's map export remain, there is a cautious need to watch the situation. Similarly, the pressure from the US regarding the online platform law (Onple Law), which was also excluded from this negotiation, is expected to continue, suggesting that the debate will persist for the time being.

Yongbeom Kim, Chief of Policy at the Presidential Office, stated in an emergency briefing on the 31st that issues such as the export of high-precision map data, defense cost issues, and weapon import negotiations "are separate issues and were not included in the results of this negotiation," adding that "the online platform law was present in the negotiation stage but did not make it to the final table." Kim also mentioned, "High-precision map information and agricultural products were the most discussed areas with the US Trade Representative (USTR), but this time, the focus was on trade, and we defended those areas," adding, "There are no additional concessions."

Domestic map industry officials expressed relief. An industry official said, "It is fortunate to confirm the new government's stance that security values cannot be exchanged for trade," adding, "However, as the Korea-US summit and the notification of the review on the map data export request remain, it is a situation to watch." Previously, Google applied to the National Geographic Information Institute of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on February 18, after the inauguration of the Trump administration in the US, to transfer domestic high-precision maps at a scale of 1:5000 to Google's overseas data centers. Apple also submitted an application to the National Geographic Information Institute last month for permission to export the same data overseas, and the government must notify Google by August 11 and Apple by September 8 of the review results on the export. The government has previously rejected requests from overseas big tech companies to export high-precision map data citing security issues.

Although the Onple Law did not make it to this negotiation table, it is widely expected that domestic legislation may be difficult. This is because the US has been increasing pressure, claiming that the Onple Law is a digital trade barrier. The US House Judiciary Committee recently sent a request to the Fair Trade Commission to hold a briefing by the 7th of next month, after the tariff negotiation deadline, to explain the impact of the Onple Law on US companies.


wongood@fnnews.com Joo Wongyu Reporter