Exclusive: Somalia Joins India in Challenging WhatsApp Username Rollout Over Security and Terrorism Concerns
Somalia has become the second country after India to challenge WhatsApp’s planned username feature, warning that removing phone numbers could make fraud, impersonation and terrorist communications harder to investigate.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somalia has become the second country after India to formally challenge Meta’s planned rollout of WhatsApp usernames, with the National Communications Authority (NCA) warning that the new feature could undermine efforts to combat terrorism, fraud and online impersonation.
Senior officials from the National Communications Authority (NCA) told Somali Report that Meta has been asked not to introduce the feature in Somalia until formal consultations are held and the company addresses a range of security and regulatory concerns.
“We have not rejected the feature,” an official from the NCA told Somali Report. “We have asked for consultation. We informed Meta that such a system cannot be introduced in Somalia without consultation and acceptance from the regulator.”
WhatsApp’s new username feature, currently being rolled out globally ahead of a wider launch later this year, will allow users to communicate using unique usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers.
Meta says the change is designed to improve privacy and has introduced safeguards, including reserved usernames for verified public figures and government institutions, limits on unsolicited contacts, and automated systems to detect impersonation and abusive accounts.
However, Somali regulators argue that Somalia’s security environment presents unique challenges that require additional safeguards.
Officials said phone numbers currently play a critical role in investigations involving cybercrime, fraud, terrorist activity and public safety.
“For now, regulators can identify who is registered to a phone number, where it was registered and suspend numbers used for scams or national security threats,” the official said. “If communication moves to usernames without visible phone numbers, we need to know how verification will work and how law enforcement can respond.”
The NCA said it is particularly concerned about the possibility of fraudsters, criminal networks and terrorist organisations creating usernames that resemble government institutions, businesses or public officials to deceive users.
Officials also warned that extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab could potentially exploit anonymous usernames for recruitment, fundraising, intimidation and propaganda if sufficient verification mechanisms are not in place.
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The regulator said Meta has responded positively to Somalia’s concerns and agreed to hold discussions before any further action is taken.
“We are seeking clarity about their verification procedures, username allocation process and the systems they will use to protect public safety,” the official said.
Somalia’s intervention follows similar action by India, where authorities last week asked Meta to pause the rollout of WhatsApp usernames and explain how the company intends to prevent fraud and impersonation.
Indian authorities cited growing cybercrime and online scams as reasons for requesting additional safeguards before implementation.
NCA officials told Somali Report they believe countries facing serious security threats deserve the same level of consultation.
“Most Western countries were consulted and many of their concerns appear to have been addressed,” the official said. “It seems African countries and countries with similar security realities were not taken seriously or were left out of the consultation process before the announcement.”
Officials stressed that Somalia is not opposed to innovation but said any changes affecting digital communications must reflect the country’s security realities and regulatory responsibilities.
“We support technological development,” the official added. “But Somalia has its own context. We must ensure new systems do not create opportunities for fraud, impersonation or threats to national security before they are introduced.”
The outcome of the upcoming discussions between Somalia and Meta could influence how the company approaches the rollout of WhatsApp usernames in other countries facing similar security and regulatory challenges.
About the Author
Fatuma Taxadar Yusuf is the Editor-in-Chief of Somali Report. She was the first woman to serve as an editor and media managing director in Somalia’s Puntland State. Previously, she worked with the BBC World Service and other leading media organizations in Somalia. She also serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Somalia Media Council, an independent body that regulates media standards and professional conduct in Somalia.