SEOUL — South Korea is likely to approve Google Inc.'s request to transfer high-precision map data overseas, industry sources said Thursday. The government is expected to decide in favor of allowing the U.S. technology giant to export 1:5,000-scale digital map data to its overseas data centers at an interagency meeting scheduled for Friday, the sources said. "Nothing has been finalized as this is a sensitive issue with many factors under consideration. However, no ministry is firmly opposed to granting approval," a government official said. Google filed its latest request in February 2025, seeking permission to export 1:5,000-scale digital maps. Earlier this month, the company submitted supplementary materials to the transport ministry in support of its application. The additional documents reportedly address most of the government's requirements, including measures to mask sensitive domestic security facilities and limit the exposure of precise geographic coordinates. The submission also includes technical explanations outlining how Google would process and manage the map data if appro