Update 3: Google Seeks License for Chinese Map Service
Now word that Google has been granted its Internet Content Provider license, but no word on the mapping ok.
—- update 6/30/10—-
On Monday the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping updated the list of companies ok to provide online maps to 23 providers, with no sign of Google on the list. But that’s the least of Google woes. Even after it tweaked its Google China page to more respectfully redirect to Google.hk, China may still not renew its Internet Content Provider license to operate in the country. Without it, Google would go dark in China.
—- original post 6/24/10——
China has ok’d 18 smaller Chinese map providers to offer maps on the Internet. No internationals have been approved leaving Google and Nokia, who have both applied, in limbo. No word if Microsoft has applied for approval for Bing.
- China Daily via The Next Web
——original post 6/11/10——
Google is applying to host a map service in China under the new rules set last month by the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. Those given approval have to have processes in place to ensure maps are labeled the way China prefers, among other things. Interestingly, the company that provides Google’s Chinese map data already has approval.
Autonavi Software Co., the Beijing-based parent of Mapabc, a company that provides maps used in Google’s Chinese map service, says it has already received approval from the bureau. Mapabc said it applied for a license and expects to get one soon.
Google removed some of its service from China after a flap in March. This application is considered by some a test as to how China will deal with Google, which redirected its China site to one hosted in Hong Kong.
Related: Chinese Nav Data Provider Offers IPO
- Wall Street Journal
