Malaysia bars civil servants from using Waze

Malaysia has barred civil servants from using Waze, citing concerns about the app’s Israeli legal jurisdiction and the security of government and personal data. The restriction took effect immediately under a directive dated October 20, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the public to consider a local alternative, TuJu. The public has not been prohibited from using Waze. Anwar’s office said the decision took into account Waze Mobile Ltd’s status as a data controller incorporated and operating under Israeli law. The directive, addressed to government agency heads, followed a National Cybersecurity Committee meeting chaired by Anwar, according to the letter. A Prime Minister’s Department official confirmed its authenticity. The government said sensitive information and personal data should be protected from potential exploitation that could threaten national security and sovereignty. Anwar recommended TuJu, describing the domestic mapping app as offering security assurances and personal-data protection. TuJu was developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority and Prosignal Consortium. A Waze spokesman denied that the app collected sensitive government data, calling that claim...