Waze Rejects Malaysian Claims of Data Exploitation Amid Civil Servant Ban
The navigation app provider denies allegations of collecting sensitive government information after Malaysia barred public servants from using it due to its Israeli ties.
Waze has denied claims by Malaysia that it collects sensitive government information or allows user data to be exploited. The rejection comes after the Malaysian government banned civil servants from using the navigation app, citing its Israeli connection.
Anwar Ibrahim’s office stated that the decision was made due to Waze Mobile Limited being a data controller incorporated and operating under Israeli law. A Waze spokesperson called the allegations of compromising personal data "completely false," while asserting that the app operates under strict privacy policies compliant with global data protection standards. Waze was originally developed in Israel before being acquired by Google in 2013.
Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation, is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and does not maintain diplomatic or direct economic relations with Israel. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo clarified that the ban specifically applies to public servants performing official duties.