Malaysia Bans Civil Servants From Using Mapping App Waze, Citing Links to Israel
The directive follows security concerns over Waze’s data practices and promotes TuJu, a local alternative developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority.
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim banned civil servants from using Waze on Tuesday, with Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar confirming the directive following a National Cybersecurity Committee Meeting.
- Citing the app's Israeli roots, Anwar warned that Waze presents information security risks as the app is "bound under the laws of the Israeli government." The government cited concerns over data collection vulnerabilities.
- Officials are promoting TuJu, a local route planner developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority, as a secure alternative. The National Cyber Security Agency is coordinating implementation of the directive.
- The Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association previously called for a nationwide ban on October 7, when president Siraj Jalil cited the app's terms showing it operates under Israeli law.
- Similar to Malaysia, Iraq announced plans earlier this month to ban Waze by year-end, with the Communication Ministry intending to replace it with a national alternative citing security concerns.
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(Hanoi=Yonhap News) Correspondent Park Jin-hyung = Regarding Waze, Google's navigation app developed by an Israeli company, Malaysia [is... by the Israeli government]
Malaysia bans Waze, citing threat of Israeli data misuse
Malaysia has banned civil servants from using Alphabet’s navigation app Waze, citing security concerns linked to its origins in Israel. Muslim-majority Malaysia is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered the ban “to protect government information and users’ personal data from […]
Malaysia bans Waze over Israeli origins, citing unproven spying fears
Malaysia has banned government employees from using Waze, claiming the Israeli-founded navigation app could expose sensitive information to Israeli intelligence. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged all Malaysians to abandon the Google-owned app, citing its incorporation in Israel and recommending a locally developed alternative. The government presented no evidence that Waze had compromised user data. Malaysia, […]
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