Somalia’s government has expressed apprehension about WhatsApp’s upcoming feature allowing users to chat via usernames instead of phone numbers. Communications and Technology Minister Ahmed Osman Dirie highlighted that this change might complicate efforts to trace criminals and combat Islamist militants in the country.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, plans to introduce the username option to its three billion users globally in the coming months, enabling users to create, change, or remove usernames at will. However, Somalia’s officials fear this could undermine digital traceability and increase vulnerability to scams, especially given the nation’s reliance on mobile money transactions.
Security Risks Amid Ongoing Insurgency
For over two decades, Somalia has faced a violent insurgency led by al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate. The militant group has reportedly used WhatsApp for extortion and propaganda. In 2024, Somali intelligence shut down several WhatsApp groups linked to al-Shabab and disabled thousands of associated phone numbers.
Minister Dirie noted that linking WhatsApp accounts to phone numbers currently aids in tracking criminal activity. Moving to usernames, which can be unverified and less traceable, could hinder anti-terrorism efforts and increase financial fraud risks.
Meta’s Response and Calls for Safeguards
WhatsApp told the BBC the username feature is not yet active and users will still require phone numbers to register. The company also emphasized built-in safeguards to prevent scams. Somalia has engaged Meta to discuss these concerns, seeking assurances that the new feature will not erode digital traceability or expose citizens to greater fraud.
Dirie stressed the need for Meta to demonstrate specific protections before Somalia agrees to the rollout. Similar worries have been raised by India, WhatsApp’s largest market, which has urged Meta to delay the feature until satisfactory consultations are completed.
Balancing Privacy and Security
Technology experts acknowledge that the username feature aims to enhance user privacy, creating a single digital identity separate from phone numbers. However, they also caution that it may increase risks of scams and impersonation if not properly regulated.
Kenyan security analyst George Musamali suggests that while privacy is important, governments must carefully balance it against security needs. He notes that concerns over data misuse by both criminals and state actors are valid, but premature opposition to the feature could overlook potential benefits.
