Also known as: WhatsApp
WhatsApp — messaging platform used globally for communications and mobile money transactions, subject to government security concerns in Somalia and Russia.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
WhatsApp experienced 5% increase in usage
“WhatsApp usage increased by 5%, while Facebook recorded a more modest 1% increase.”
TikTok fuels Namibia’s data consumption boomThe Namibian
WhatsApp is a platform where music is routinely exchanged and continues to circulate freely
“Songs are routinely exchanged through WhatsApp or stored on services such as Google Drive, yet these platforms remain protected.”
Taxing Hard Drives, Sparing the NetThe Namibian
WhatsApp told the BBC feature was not yet live and users need phone number
“In response to Somalia's concerns, WhatsApp told the BBC that the feature was not yet live, and users would still need a phone number to use the app.”
Why WhatsApp usernames could upset Somalia’s anti-terror fightThe Namibian
WhatsApp is set to let people chat without revealing their phone number by exchanging usernames
“Whatsapp is set to let people chat without having to reveal their phone number – by exchanging unique usernames instead.”
WhatsApp to let users chat without numbersThe Namibian
WhatsApp accounted for the most used platform
“WhatsApp accounted for the most used platform, followed by TikTok and Facebook.”
Namibians spend N$928 million on data in three monthsThe Namibian
WhatsApp offers business offering
“The idea is (extremely) reminiscent of WhatsApp's business offering, but with that additional flair (and cost) that Meta can't quite muster.”
Telegram takes a page out of WhatsApp business bookThe Namibian
WhatsApp announced ability to send short video messages in chats
“The most recent update, announced yesterday, adds the ability to send short video messages in a WhatsApp chat – described as an improvement of the voice note feature.”
WhatsApp’s new update lets users send each other short video messagesThe Namibian
WhatsApp authenticates a laptop using QR code scanning
“This is how WhatsApp authenticates a laptop so you can use the desktop app for the messaging service.”
Goodbye passwords, hello passkeysThe Namibian
WhatsApp offers feature for replying to specific messages
“Just like you've seen in WhatsApp, iMessage and Telegram, replies are a simpler way to answer specific messages, rather than shouting into the void, hoping the person on the other end doesn't consider you a loon.”
Twitter’s DMs are being overhauledThe Namibian
WhatsApp boast end-to-end encryption
“Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp both boast end-to-end encryption, which means only the sender and the receiver are privy to the conversation, and this is the crux of the issue – regulators aim to force tech companies to hand over the encryption keys.”
Social Media Under Threat?Data services generated N$944 million in revenue during the second quarter of 2026, making it the largest source of income for Namibia's telecommunications sector. Total telecommunications revenue was N$1.9 billion between April and June, a 12% increase from the previous quarter, with mobile data usage rising to 30.8 million gigabytes, an 11% increase from the previous quarter.
22 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Data services generated N$944 million in revenue during the second quarter of 2026, making it the largest source of income for Namibia's telecommunications sector. Total telecommunications revenue was N$1.9 billion between April and June, a 12% increase from the previous quarter, with mobile data usage rising to 30.8 million gigabytes, an 11% increase from the previous quarter.
22 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's proposed copyright and related rights protection bill would fund a cultural fund by levying physical storage devices and copying services, but exempts online platforms and streaming services where music is primarily stored and shared. The bill establishes a cultural fund managed by the Business and Intellectual Property Authority, financed through levies on imported or locally manufactured digital storage devices and commercial copying services.
25 July 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
Young professionals in Windhoek report that rising rental costs make independent living increasingly unaffordable despite employment, with tenants facing high prices, outdated units, and restrictive lease conditions that consume large portions of their salaries.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →
WhatsApp will allow users to chat using unique usernames instead of phone numbers, rolling out over the next few months to three billion account holders. Username reservation begins this week; the feature is optional and limited to 35 characters, with exceptions for certain high-profile officials and celebrities.
1 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Apple has removed Russia's state-backed Max messenger from its App Store. Moscow has promoted Max, which lacks encryption, while throttling WhatsApp and Telegram, and forcing state institutions to use it for communications.
6 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian lawmakers and child welfare experts are divided over whether to ban social media for children under 15, with supporters citing mental health and cyberbullying concerns while critics argue for evidence-based regulation rather than an outright ban. Experts also note that enforcement would be technically challenging given the ease of age verification manipulation.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →