Why has Iraq decided to ban online map service Waze?
Summary
Iraq plans to ban the navigation app Waze by early 2027 because it was made in Israel, a country Iraq does not recognize. Officials say they want users to switch to Google Maps or a future Iraqi-made app instead.Key Facts
- Iraq’s Communications Minister Mustafa Sanad announced the ban on Waze at the start of 2027.
- Waze is an Israeli navigation app that helps users avoid traffic jams, accidents, and police checkpoints.
- Iraq has no diplomatic ties with Israel and has laws forbidding relations with the country, including harsh penalties.
- Iraq’s law against ties with Israel passed in 2022 by a large majority in parliament.
- Waze collects detailed user data such as locations, routes, and search histories, raising security concerns.
- The ban is partly influenced by Iraq’s distrust of Israel amid tensions involving Iran and US-Israel military actions in the region.
- The Iraqi government suggests users can switch to Google Maps or a soon-to-be-created Iraqi navigation app.
- Experts say building a reliable Iraqi app requires extensive data and regular updates on roads and traffic.
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