Google Applies for Online Mapping License in China
Caing.com, 6/11/10
Google has applied for a license from China's State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping (SBSM) to operate its Google Earth service within China. According to standards for online mapping service revised by SBSM on May 18, any company that wishes to provide online mapping and location services, search or downloadable content in China must be licensed in order to continue operations. One government official told overseas media that Google has already submitted its application, but did not reveal Google's approval status.
The revised regulations stipulate that companies must not have lost or leaked classified data, or provided classified survey data to any organizations or individuals in the past three years, while ensuring that all geographical labeling is done in accordance with Chinese regulations, and that classified information such as the locations of military facilities are removed.
The first list of approved companies is expected to be released later this month, while a list of non-compliant companies will be issued some time this year. Rejected companies will be prohibited from offering online mapping services in China.
Editor's Note : For more information on the new regulations, see "China to Issue Online, Mobile Mapping Licenses," MD 5/28/10 issue.
Keywords: Google Earth online mapping Internet license Google mobile mapping State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping regulation
Sending
