Experts warn Waze location data could expose sensitive movements patterns

Malaysia's government has prohibited civil servants from using the Waze navigation app due to security concerns over its exposure to Israeli laws. Waze has denied allegations that it gathers sensitive government data or permits any entity to exploit users' personal information. The company maintains strict privacy policies that safeguard user data and adhere to international data protection standards.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim directed the ban on Waze for government employees while performing official duties due to security concerns regarding the app's compliance with Israeli laws. Although the public is not restricted from using the app, Anwar encouraged Malaysians to use local alternatives like TuJu, developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority and Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd.

Anwar stated the ban aimed to safeguard government information and users' personal data from potential misuse by the Israeli regime. Waze, now owned by Google, was acquired in 2013 for approximately US$1.15 billion and was founded in Israel in 2008 by three Israeli entrepreneurs. National Security Council director-general Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin cautioned that data collected by Waze, including users' locations and travel patterns, could be utilized to determine their daily routines, which could pose a sensitive issue for government employees.