Malaysia Bans State Employees From Using Waze Over Israeli Ties
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
Malaysia has banned its civil servants from using the Waze navigation app due to its Israeli origins and potential privacy risks. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cited concerns over data security and Israeli law, recommending a local alternative. The ban was formalized by a directive from the Chief Secretary to the Government. Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Malaysia banned state employees from using Waze due to its Israeli origins.
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cited privacy and Israeli law concerns.
- The government recommended using the local TuJu mapping application instead.
- A directive from the Chief Secretary formalized the immediate ban.
- Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Malaysia has prohibited its civil servants from using the navigation app Waze, citing concerns over privacy due to its Israeli origins. The decision was reported by Malaysian media on Wednesday. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated on Facebook that the government is examining the risks associated with using the application under Israeli law, emphasizing that citizen data security and identity cannot be compromised. Ibrahim made these remarks following a National Cyber Committee meeting, though he did not specify the exact risks. He recommended switching to TuJu, a local mapping application developed by Malaysia's Highway Authority. Following the committee's resolution, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, Shamsul Azhar Abu Bakar, issued an immediate directive to all heads of government agencies, banning the use of Waze.
Waze was founded in Israel and acquired by Google in 2013. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and is known for its support of the Palestinian cause.
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