Makor RishonSecurity12:31

Malaysia Bans Waze for Government Employees Over Israel Concerns

By AFP

Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba

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Hebrew · 18 newsrooms covering

Malaysia has banned its civil servants from using the Waze navigation app due to concerns about its Israeli origins and potential data security risks. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's office stated the decision aims to protect sensitive government and personal information from exploitation by the Israeli regime. The ban comes amid broader Israeli concerns about Hamas recruitment activities in Malaysia. Ibrahim recommended local alternatives like the TuJu app.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Malaysia banned civil servants from using Waze due to Israeli connections and data security fears.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's office cited potential misuse of data by the Israeli regime.
The decision was made by the National Cyber Security Committee.
Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and is a vocal critic.
Israel has been monitoring Hamas recruitment activities in Malaysia.
Civil servants were advised to use local navigation apps like TuJu.

Malaysia Bans Waze for Government Employees Over Israel Concerns — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Malaysia has prohibited its civil servants from using the navigation app Waze, citing concerns over data security and its Israeli connections. The Prime Minister's office, led by Anwar Ibrahim, announced the decision on Wednesday, stating the measure is intended to protect government and personal data from potential misuse by the Israeli regime.

The ban was reportedly decided during a National Cyber Security Committee meeting chaired by Ibrahim. While the government did not provide further specifics on the enforcement or monitoring of the prohibition, it emphasized the need to safeguard sensitive information that could jeopardize national security and sovereignty. The statement, posted on Facebook, also mentioned that the move aims to prevent the Israeli regime from exploiting data to threaten the nation and its people.

Waze, owned by Google LLC, is known to be an Israeli company. The app is widely used in Malaysia, even serving as a backup navigation tool for drivers using the ride-hailing service Grab. Malaysia, a large Muslim nation, does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and is a vocal critic of the country. The article also notes that Israel has been monitoring activities in Malaysia, particularly concerning Hamas's extensive recruitment efforts there, which are reportedly aimed at developing new terror capabilities against Israel.

Prime Minister Ibrahim suggested that users switch to alternative platforms, such as TuJu, a locally developed Malaysian navigation app. The article also references a separate incident where Malaysia accused Facebook of suppressing free speech after the platform removed posts by the Malaysian Prime Minister mourning a Hamas leader.