Google in North Korea: Google Not Afraid to Dive Deep Into North Korea

Google in North Korea: Most people are fully aware that North Korea is one of the most secretive countries in the world. Along with this, the company has not taken well to the adoption of technology. Of course, this has not stopped Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) executive chairman Eric Schmidt from visiting the country.

Last month, we published a few stories detailing his trip to North Korea. To catch up on what happened, you can read these pieces here, here, and here.

As if the trip by Schmidt was not enough to get people talking, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is once again making waves in regards to North Korea. This time around, the company announced that its Google Maps program would now be available in the country, hoping that some “citizen cartographers” would jumpstart the project.

According to a report by The New York Times, Google is “urging them to contribute whatever knowledge they have about one of the world’s most secretive countries.”

Is it possible that this is something Schmidt discussed on his recent trip to North Korea? While he was adamant in stating that the visit had nothing to do with official Google business, we know that he did spend some time learning more about the internet culture in the country.

It is amazing that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has been able to get its Maps program up and running in North Korea, being that the country does not exactly get along with the United States.

Here is a brief excerpt from the New York Times article:

“The new map it published at the same time — which shows streets and important buildings in the capital and elsewhere — is focusing new attention on the North at a time when the country is locked in a tense standoff with the United States and its allies over tightened sanctions and has promised to conduct a third nuclear test. An earlier map was mostly blank.”

It is safe to say that Google has a lot of work ahead if they plan on bringing the map of North Korea up to par with the rest of the world.

Here are the thoughts of Kim Yong-hyun, a North Korea specialist at Dongguk University in Seoul:

“So far, Google’s efforts are largely symbolic. It won’t be easy to make a Google map of North Korea of the kind you see of other countries.”

It is hard to argue with Yong-hyun. Simply put, North Korea is too secretive to make any fast strides in this area. That being said, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is not shying away from giving it a try.

What are your thoughts? Is this a waste of time for Google?

Check back here for more updates on Google in North Korea.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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