Malaysia Bans Civil Servants from Using Waze App Over Data Security Concerns
The government cited Israeli links to the navigation app as a risk to national security and data privacy.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysia has banned civil servants from using the navigation application Waze, citing data security concerns due to its Israeli origins. The decision, announced Wednesday, was made to protect sensitive government information and citizen data from potential exploitation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's office stated that Waze Mobile Limited is incorporated in Israel and operates under Israeli law, raising concerns about the app's data controller status. "Sensitive government information and the personal data of citizens must be protected from being exploited by the Israeli regime in a manner that could compromise national security and sovereignty," the statement read.
Anwar also urged all Malaysians to stop using Waze and switch to local alternatives, such as the TuJu application, which is promoted for its robust security and personal data protection guarantees. The government reiterated its commitment to closing any potential avenues for exploitation that could threaten the nation's security.
Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation, maintains a strong stance in support of the Palestinian cause and has no diplomatic or direct economic ties with Israel. The country has consistently backed Palestinian statehood and condemned Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Waze restriction introduces a digital security dimension to this long-standing policy.
Waze was originally developed in Israel before being acquired by Google in 2013.