Waze has denied allegations that its navigation application collects sensitive government information or lets third parties exploit users’ personal data, after the government banned civil servants from using it.

“Allegations that Waze collects sensitive government information or allows any entity to exploit users’ personal data are completely false.

“Waze operates under strict privacy policies to protect user data and complies with global legal data protection standards,” a Waze spokesperson said in a statement to Malaysiakini today.

Yesterday, Putrajaya banned civil servants from using the Israel-based navigation app while performing official duties, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim promoting a government-backed alternative.