Somalia warns WhatsApp usernames could aid terrorist operations
Somalia's Communications and Technology Minister told the BBC that WhatsApp's planned feature allowing users to chat via usernames rather than phone numbers could pose a security risk and make it harder to counter criminals and militants. The government has approached Meta about its concerns, citing Somalia's reliance on mobile money and the risk of financial fraud and scams, particularly given al-Shabab's use of WhatsApp for extortion and propaganda.
22 July 2026 · The Namibian →