Why WhatsApp usernames could upset Somalia's anti-terror fight

What the report says

BBC Africa reports that Somalia’s government has raised security concerns over WhatsApp’s planned introduction of usernames, a feature expected to let users communicate without displaying their phone numbers. Communications and Technology Minister Ahmed Osman Dirie told the BBC Focus on Africa podcast that the change could complicate efforts to identify criminals in Somalia, where the government is still fighting al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-linked militant group active for more than two decades.

According to the BBC, WhatsApp said the feature is not yet live, that users will still need phone numbers to use the app, and that protections against scams are being built in. Dirie said Somalia has contacted Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, and wants assurances that hiding phone numbers will not weaken digital traceability or increase financial fraud. He noted Somalia’s heavy dependence on mobile money, saying usernames that are difficult to verify could expose citizens to scammers.

The BBC report says Somali authorities have previously linked WhatsApp to militant activity. In 2024, Somalia’s intelligence agency said it had closed 20 WhatsApp groups allegedly used by al-Shabab for extortion and intimidation, and disabled data services for about 2,500 phone numbers associated with them. Dirie argued that Somalia’s regulation of phone numbers helps investigators trace suspects, and that a shift toward usernames could undermine that system.

The issue echoes concerns raised by India, WhatsApp’s largest market, which has asked the company to delay the feature pending government consultations over fraud and impersonation risks. Technology commentators cited by the BBC said usernames could improve privacy, but also said Meta needs to explain how regulators would address misuse while protecting users from surveillance or abuse.