[UPDATED] Nacsa warns Waze data could expose government officials to security risks

CYBERJAYA: The use of Waze poses a significant security risk as artificial intelligence (AI) advances, with location data collected through the app potentially being used to track government officials if it falls into the wrong hands.

National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) chief executive officer Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the data could reveal the places they visited and their movement patterns.

"Looking at current trends, particularly advances in AI technology, the data we share can be used for beneficial purposes, such as improving efficiency.

"However, if the data is exposed or obtained by criminals, the threat is, in my view, very high given the capabilities of AI today," he told a press conference here today.

Asked how the data could be used, Megat said Waze was developed by Israel, and that digital technology and AI were increasingly being exploited by criminals and those seeking to threaten national security.

He said Nacsa conducted a legal review after Waze amended its terms and conditions on Aug 1, examining the cyber security implications and the fact that user data was subject to Israeli law.

The findings, he said, prompted the agency to take proactive measures to prevent Malaysians' data, particularly information on their navigation and movements, from being exposed.

"In that context, we are of the view that the threat is clear.

"We are taking proactive steps so that the threat is not exploited for malicious purposes against Malaysia, or anyone they have an interest in targeting," he said.

On whether Waze had responded to the restriction on civil servants using the app, Megat said Nacsa had yet to receive any communication or response from the company.

Asked whether other applications linked to Israel were being studied, he said Nacsa would take the same action if it found similar threats.

This came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday directed civil servants to stop using Waze and appealed to the public to do the same, citing concerns that sensitive government information and personal data could be exploited by Israel.