PUTRAJAYA: The government's ban on civil servants using Waze for official duties stems from cybersecurity concerns, including the processing of its data in Israel and the legal jurisdiction governing disputes involving the app.
Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said any dispute could only be settled in Israeli courts, posing a challenge as Malaysia does not recognise Israel and has no diplomatic relations with the country.
"Those are the two main issues," he told his weekly post-cabinet press conference today.
Fahmi said the concerns were raised by the National Cyber Security Agency with the National Security Council before being brought to the National Cyber Security Committee.
The government was also taking seriously allegations of data leaks linked to Waze, including reports that user information had been obtained by unauthorised parties and offered for sale on the dark web.
Fahmi said Waze should explain the allegations, including how personal data could have been obtained.
The Personal Data Protection Department would also be consulted on any investigation, subject to legal processes, he added.
However, he could not confirm whether the data of Malaysians was involved.
Asked whether the government would block the app, Fahmi said further action required an extract of the National Cyber Security Committee's meeting minutes.
"We are waiting for that process," he said, adding that the timing would depend on the procedures and directives involved.
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