KUALA LUMPUR: Internet-based navigation applications Google Maps and Waze are not considered a national threat.
Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said the apps, available for free in smartphones, are user-based and not in violation of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
"The apps function based on privacy policies that are agreed upon by an individual and the application provider. If the user no longer needs the service, he can terminate the agreement and the provider will no longer hold his data. There are also built-in navigation system available in vehicles.
"We have yet to receive any report on any apps used for spying purposes. The real problem is the oversharing of personal information on the Internet, so we must exercise regulation to ensure that we don't share details unnecessarily with others that can be exposed for abuse," he said.
Datuk Raime Unggi (BN-Tenom) had raised the possibility that the increasing dependency on such apps could indirectly provide information to outside parties such as Israel and the United States.
Nur Jailani, meanwhile, said there are approximately 22 million Internet users in Malaysia, with a broadband penetration rate of 72.2 per cent.
"If the members are concerned about this matter, then the National Security Council (NSC) can look into reviewing these apps.
"In addition, if there any of the ministries and agencies seeking technical assistance, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is able to help."