{
  "id": 16177845,
  "title": "Govt Wants Waze To Explain How It Handles Malaysians’ Data",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/govt-wants-waze-to-explain-how-it-handles-malaysians-data",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-23T10:06:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Lowyat.NET",
    "slug": "lowyat-net",
    "url": "https://www.lowyat.net/2026/408281/govt-wants-waze-explain-data-handling/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government has requested that navigation app Waze provide an explanation regarding how it collects and manages the personal data of Malaysian users. This request comes after the government banned civil servants from using Waze for official purposes and expressed concerns about data security and the exposure of sensitive information. If satisfactory alternatives emerge, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hinted at the possibility of a complete ban on the app. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the need for Waze to clarify its data handling practices, citing concerns over data leaks and stolen information being sold on the dark web. The Personal Data Protection Department under the Digital Ministry could be consulted for further investigation, though any action would have to follow legal procedures. The National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) raised two main concerns with the National Security Council (MKN) and the National Cyber Security Committee, focusing on data collection and processing in Israel and the legal jurisdiction of the app. Malaysia does not recognize Israel and has no diplomatic relations with the country, complicating matters if disputes arise. The government is awaiting official minutes from the National Cyber Security Committee meeting before taking further action. The government is considering a complete ban on Waze in Malaysia, prioritizing national security over user convenience. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urged Malaysians to be patient and explore alternative navigation apps while locally developed options, such as TuJu, are enhanced. The government has also requested that the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and TuJu developer Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd explain the technical issues affecting TuJu and provide a timeline for improvements. Currently, TuJu has faced disruptions due to a surge in users following Anwar's encouragement to use the locally developed app. While Malaysians can continue using other navigation apps, including overseas-developed services, the government has advised against using Waze due to the raised security concerns.",
  "summary": "The government is seeking an explanation from Waze over how it collects and handles Malaysians’ personal data, citing concerns over data security and the potential exposure of sensitive information. The move follows the government’s decision to prohibit civil servants from using the navigation app for official duties, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim now […] The post Govt Wants Waze…",
  "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."
}