MKN to look into concerns over navigational apps

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will ask the National Security Council (MKN) to look into concerns that popular navigational apps like Waze and Google Maps could compromise national security.
Communications and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said this in the Dewan Rakyat today, following concerns raised by several lawmakers that such apps were a security threat.
“We have to look into this in a holistic way. The usage of Waze and Google Maps is subject to the privacy policy between both parties. It is optional.
“If you feel that the matter needs to be taken care of, I believe there is a need for the National Security Council to look into it comprehensively,” he added.
Datuk Raime Unggi (BN – Tenom) had earlier raised the issue of Malaysian users being too dependent on Waze and Google Maps, which leads to information being indirectly provided to countries like the United States and Israel.
Similar concerns were also raised by Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim (BN – Kuala Selangor) who wanted to know the reach of current laws in ensuring information is not leaked to foreign parties via the use of such apps.
“The ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is involved in providing recommendations on the matter relating to the issue of communications,” Jailani said.
He also said the ministry is working closely with other ministries to ensure confidential information related to national security is not leaked by using such technology.