Waze denies data security risks after Malaysia civil servant ban

KUALA LUMPUR — Waze has firmly disputed Malaysia's assertions regarding potential data security vulnerabilities, after authorities issued guidance restricting civil servant access to the navigation application.

The app's operators characterised the allegations as baseless, stating that the platform maintains robust security protocols to protect user information. The rejection came after Malaysian officials raised concerns about the application's data handling practices and potential exploitation of sensitive government information.

The civil service directive, which discouraged or prohibited government employees from using Waze, cited unspecified security risks. However, the company's response suggests a fundamental disagreement with the assessment of these risks and the evidence underpinning the government's decision.

The dispute highlights growing tensions between technology platforms and regional governments over data sovereignty and security standards. Malaysia joins other nations in scrutinising foreign-operated apps that collect location and user data, though such restrictions remain contentious among digital rights advocates and the technology sector.

Waze has not detailed specific security measures in response to the allegations, but maintaining user trust remains critical as the platform continues operating across Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region.