Malaysia Bans State Employees From Using Waze App Over Israeli Origins
Translated & summarized from Makan by baba
Malaysia has banned state employees from using the Waze navigation app due to privacy and security concerns stemming from its Israeli origins. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated the government cannot compromise on information security. The directive followed a National Cybersecurity Committee meeting, and employees were encouraged to use the local TuJu app instead. Malaysia does not have diplomatic ties with Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Malaysia banned state employees from using the Waze navigation app due to its Israeli origins.
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cited privacy and information security concerns as the reason for the ban.
- The government stated it cannot compromise on information security or citizens' identities.
- The decision followed a meeting of the National Cybersecurity Committee.
- Employees are encouraged to use the local TuJu navigation and mapping application.
- Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.
The Malaysian government has prohibited its state employees from using the navigation application Waze, owned by Google, citing privacy and information security concerns due to its Israeli origins. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated on Facebook that the government is evaluating the risks associated with the app's use, as it falls under Israeli laws. He emphasized that "we cannot compromise on information security and citizens' identities." These remarks followed a meeting of the National Cybersecurity Committee, though the specific nature of the risks prompting the decision was not detailed. Ibrahim also encouraged the use of the local navigation and mapping application TuJu, developed by Malaysia's highway authority. Following the committee's decision, the Secretary-General of the Malaysian government issued directives to heads of government agencies mandating the immediate cessation of Waze usage. Waze was founded in Israel before being acquired by Google in 2013. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and is known for its support of the Palestinian cause.
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