{
  "id": 15756812,
  "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-15756812",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T14:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/20/anwar-advises-against-using-waze-over-israel-linked-security-concerns"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned Malaysians against using the popular navigation app Waze, citing concerns over Israeli government laws and potential security risks. During today's National Cyber Security Committee meeting, Anwar emphasized the importance of safeguarding Malaysians' data and identities, suggesting they consider using the local TuJu app instead. The Malaysian government has already banned Waze, set to take effect in early 2027, due to its Israeli origins and data security issues. Iran has also previously restricted access to the app for similar reasons. In 2017, Malaysia reported being one of the largest users of Waze in Asia, with approximately six million monthly active users, including around 2.5 million in Kuala Lumpur. Google acquired Waze in 2013 for about US$1.15 billion, having been founded in Israel in 2008 by three Israeli entrepreneurs. Anwar also discussed enhancing MyDigital ID and addressing emerging risks from autonomous artificial intelligence during the meeting. He affirmed the government's commitment to continuing digitalization of public services while maintaining 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."
}