Waze rejects Malaysian data-misuse allegations as government bars civil servants from the app and considers a wider ban if an alternative is found

Waze has rejected allegations that it could misuse users’ personal data after Malaysia barred civil servants from using the navigation app. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the restriction on Wednesday, saying it was intended to protect government information and personal data from the threat of misuse by the Israeli regime. On Friday, he said Malaysia could consider a total ban if it found a suitable alternative.

A Waze spokesperson told AFP that allegations the app collects sensitive government information or allows any entity to exploit personal data were “completely false.” The spokesperson said Waze operates under strict privacy policies that comply with global data-protection standards.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo told parliament that the restriction applies only to civil servants using Waze for official duties. He cited data-security and legal concerns, saying user data falls under Israeli jurisdiction. Anwar suggested users consider TuJu, a navigation app developed locally in Malaysia.

Former finance minister and MP Lim Guan Eng said many Malaysians had complained that TuJu was ineffective and argued it should not be made a compulsory replacement for Waze.

Malaysia is a vocal critic of Israel and has no diplomatic relations with it. Waze is owned by Google, was founded in Israel and remains incorporated there.