Though Google has already applied for the license to continue its online mapping operations in China, the future for Google map is murky. An officer of China’s State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping said they are still working on it. Up to now, Google map and its cooperators may still face a failure in obtaining a new mapping license. And according to law, Google may face prosecution if it fails to obtain a mapping license in the country before July this year.
Chinese authorities have announced earlier this year that foreign companies can only apply for a mapping license through their joint ventures with local Chinese companies, Google decided to abide by the new regulation so he finds its joint venture—Guxiang Information Technology within China, and handed its application materials on Jun 13. Experts say it’s a little bit too late for application, Google faces a murky future
Source: Caijing
Translated and edited by Peng Bo. Write to him at pb.bloomberg@gmail.com.