Malaysia Bans Israeli-Linked Waze App for Government Officials

The Malaysian government has banned government officials from using the Waze navigation app over concerns about its Israeli connections and data security. The ban took effect immediately following an announcement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Security and Israeli Legal Ties

The decision was made after a meeting of the National Cyber Security Committee. Mr. Anwar said the popular traffic and navigation app Waze originated in Israel and operates under an Israeli legal framework. He said the government wanted to avoid potential risks to the privacy of citizens’ movements and the security of their data.

“We cannot compromise on the security of the people’s data and identity,” he said. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country that supports the Palestinian cause, has long refused to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Although US technology giant Google acquired Waze for about $1 billion in 2013, Kuala Lumpur remains concerned about potential security risks linked to the app’s Israeli origins and legal ties.

Local Alternative TuJu Recommended

Mr. Anwar has instructed government officials to use TuJu, a locally developed mapping app created by the Malaysian Highway Authority, as an alternative to Waze. Government officials have been advised to stop using Waze immediately and switch to the local app. Google and Waze have yet to issue any official comments on the decision.