{
  "id": 15752585,
  "title": "Anwar advises against using Waze over Israel-linked security concerns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/anwar-advises-against-using-waze-over-israel-linked-security-concerns",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T14:00:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/20/anwar-advises-against-using-waze-over-israel-linked-security-concerns"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent National Cyber Security Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, concerns were raised regarding the use of the popular navigation app Waze. Anwar advised Malaysians against utilizing Waze, attributing the recommendation to security risks stemming from Israeli government laws that govern the app. The prime minister cited worries over the app's handling of personal data and traffic information as underlying the need for caution.\n\nAnwar emphasized in a subsequent Facebook post that the security of Malaysians' data and identities cannot be compromised. The Malaysian government's stance on safeguarding its citizens' information led to Iraq's complete ban on Waze, set to commence in early 2027. Iran has also previously restricted access to Waze due to its association with Israel.\n\nThe National Cyber Security Committee's discussions also touched on the security of MyDigital ID and the emerging risks posed by autonomous artificial intelligence. The government remains committed to strengthening its integrated identity system, with MyKad as the physical credential and MyDigital ID for digital transactions, backed by enhanced cybersecurity measures. The aim is to ensure the continued digitalization of public services without jeopardizing security, trust, and national sovereignty.",
  "summary": "The prime minister encourages Malaysians to use local navigation app TuJu instead.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}