Malaysia bars civil servants from using Waze over data security concerns
A government directive takes effect immediately, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has recommended a Malaysian navigation app instead but has not detailed the risks he cited.
Malaysia has barred civil servants from using Waze with immediate effect, according to Reuters, after a government cybersecurity meeting led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The directive affects government employees using the navigation app; Anwar has also advised Malaysians more broadly to switch apps because of data security concerns, CNA reported.
Reuters reviewed a letter dated October 20 from Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to the heads of government agencies. It said the prohibition followed a decision at the meeting chaired by Anwar. An official with the Prime Minister’s Department confirmed the letter’s authenticity to Reuters.
What Anwar said about Waze and data security
On October 21, Anwar said the government was examining potential security risks from Waze, which was founded in Israel. He said the app was bound by Israeli laws and wrote on Facebook that the government could not compromise on the security of people’s data and identities, Reuters reported. He did not specify the risks; no data breach was established in the announcement.
CNA separately reported that the National Cyber Security Committee discussed the possibility of the app being used to monitor Malaysians’ data. Anwar’s public advice went beyond the civil service directive: he suggested that Malaysians use TuJu, a navigation app developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority. The reported prohibition itself applies to civil servants.
A domestic alternative and a wider cybersecurity meeting
Waze uses satellite signals and information supplied by drivers to provide live traffic updates. Google bought the Israeli-founded app in 2013 for about US$1 billion, according to Reuters. Malaysia, a supporter of the Palestinian cause, has no diplomatic relations with Israel; Anwar cited the app’s Israeli origins when raising his concerns.
The committee meeting also examined security for MyDigital ID, Malaysia’s national digital identity verification platform, and threats involving autonomous artificial intelligence, CNA reported. Anwar said the government was strengthening an identity system that uses MyKad as a physical credential and MyDigital ID for digital transactions, alongside stronger cybersecurity measures.
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Sources and context
- Malaysia bans civil servants from using mapping app Waze, citing links to IsraelThe Straits Times (Reuters)
- Malaysia PM Anwar warns against Israeli navigation app Waze over data security concernsCNA
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.