The directive for civil servants to stop using Waze has sparked various questions. A primary concern raised is why Waze has been singled out, while Google Maps remains permitted. From the perspective of an average user, the two applications are quite similar and serve the same daily purpose.
However, according to the National Security Council (NSC), the issue at hand does not concern the applications' navigation functions. Instead, the focus lies on data management, legal frameworks, and security considerations. These factors were among those taken into account during the risk assessment regarding the use of such applications by civil servants.
The government further clarified that there are differences in data management and the legal frameworks applicable to each platform. These aspects were key considerations in the assessment, particularly concerning user data protection and information security.
At the same time, the government raised concerns regarding user location and movement data. It noted that such information can become highly sensitive when aggregated in large volumes and analyzed using modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently, data security was a focal point of the assessment.
Waze, however, has dismissed these concerns. The company stated that allegations regarding the misuse or disclosure of sensitive user data are unfounded. Waze further emphasized that its platform operates under a strict privacy policy and complies with internationally recognized data protection standards.
