Malaysia is considering a ban on the navigation app Waze, sparking debate over safety and timing.
Malaysia and Iraq have banned the Waze app, prohibiting all civil servants from using it. The ban, announced on October 20, is said to protect government and personal data. Waze's Israeli origins and data practices have raised security concerns.
- Under Waze's terms, Israeli law determines the outcome of problems encountered while using the app.
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim advised Malaysians against using Waze.
- Waze rejected allegations of collecting sensitive government information or exploiting personal data.
- The Malaysian Highway Authority is working to fix technical issues with the TuJu navigation app.
- Waze was acquired by Alphabet-owned Google for about US$1.15 billion.
- The Prime Minister's Office stated the ban aimed to protect government information and users' personal data.
- The decision to ban the Waze app for civil servants was made at a National Cybersecurity Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 20.
- The government may consider a complete ban on Waze if local navigation apps are adequate.
- Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Outlets: Cyprus Mail, Daily Maverick, Free Malaysia Today, Haaretz, Malaysiakini (English), Rappler, SCMP Asia, The Diplomat, The New Arab, Times of Israel
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