MKN: Google Maps Exempt From Civil Servants’ Ban Due To Being Under US Law

The National Security Council (MKN) has clarified that Google Maps is exempt from a government restriction on civil servants using Waze for official duties. Although both mapping apps are owned by Google, MKN noted they are treated differently due to their separate legal jurisdictions. In a statement, the council explained that Google Maps is based in the United States and subject to US law, whereas Waze's data controller is incorporated in Israel, and its terms of use stipulate disputes are governed by Israeli law under the jurisdiction of Tel Aviv courts.

This distinction was a crucial factor in the government's decision, with MKN emphasizing it was driven by protecting users' data and national information sovereignty rather than the app's origin alone. Regarding Waze's restriction, the MKN cited two main concerns. The first is the vast amount of information the app gathers, such as users' locations, movements, and device details, which could reveal travel patterns when aggregated.

The second concern is the app's terms of use, which position the service under Israeli law, raising worries about how Malaysian users' data would be handled by a country Malaysia does not recognize. The government also expressed concerns that data collected via navigation apps could be analyzed using artificial intelligence and exploited by malicious entities.

However, Waze refuted these claims, stating allegations that it compromises personal data or gathers sensitive government information were "completely false." A Waze spokesperson told The Associated Press (AP) that the navigation app adheres to strict privacy policies designed to safeguard user data and comply with global data protection standards.

The company did not comment further on its Israeli ties. The MKN also announced the government would take a phased approach to the restriction, weighing national security concerns against individual rights and freedom of choice. They will assess the restriction's effectiveness before determining if further action is needed. MKN also noted the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) would continue evaluating other products and applications, especially those under Israeli law, taking appropriate action if similar risks are identified.