Somalia Raises Security Concerns Over WhatsApp’s Planned Username Feature

Mogadishu (WDN) – Somalia’s Federal Government has voiced growing security concerns over Meta’s planned introduction of WhatsApp usernames, warning that the new feature could make it more difficult for authorities to identify users and combat terrorism and organized crime.

The concerns were outlined by the National Communications Authority (NCA ) , which argues that allowing users to communicate through usernames instead of displaying their phone numbers could create new challenges for law enforcement and national security agencies.

Officials say the proposed feature could complicate efforts to verify users’ identities at a time when Somalia continues to confront persistent threats from Al-Shabaab, transnational criminal networks, and cyber-enabled crimes.

Speaking on the issue, NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh said the Somali government does not support the rollout of the feature in its current form, citing fears that it could undermine the country’s ability to detect and investigate individuals involved in activities that threaten national security.