Key facts
- Somalia's government is concerned WhatsApp's new username feature will hinder its fight against terrorism and financial fraud.
- The feature, allowing users to chat without revealing phone numbers, could make tracing criminals more difficult.
- Somalia's economy heavily relies on mobile money, increasing vulnerability to scams with untraceable usernames.
- Al-Shabab militants have previously used WhatsApp for extortion and propaganda, with Somalia shutting down related groups.
- WhatsApp states the feature is not yet live, requires a phone number for initial use, and includes scam safeguards.
- India has also raised similar concerns about increased online fraud and impersonation.
Somalia's government has expressed strong reservations about WhatsApp's forthcoming feature that will allow users to communicate via usernames instead of phone numbers, citing potential security risks and a threat to its ongoing efforts against terrorism and financial crime.
Communications and Technology Minister Ahmed Osman Dirie told the BBC that the introduction of unverified and untraceable usernames could significantly complicate the tracing of criminals and militants, particularly in a country still grappling with the insurgency led by al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate. Somalia's economy is heavily reliant on mobile money transactions, making the population particularly vulnerable to financial fraud and scams if usernames bypass the existing traceability of phone numbers.
Dirie indicated that the government has formally approached Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, to discuss these concerns and hopes for a swift resolution. He emphasized that while Somalia effectively regulates phone numbers, the new feature would undermine these efforts. The minister is seeking assurances from Meta that hiding phone numbers will not erode digital traceability and that specific safeguards against financial fraud will be implemented.
WhatsApp, in response, stated that the feature is not yet live, users will still require a phone number to use the app, and that built-in safeguards against scams are included. However, India, the platform's largest market, has echoed Somalia's concerns, suggesting that usernames could facilitate online fraud and impersonation and has requested the feature's rollout be delayed until consultations are satisfactory.
Technology blogger Moses Kemibaro suggested that the feature aims to enhance user privacy, aligning WhatsApp with other Meta services like Instagram where identity is not tied to a phone number. However, he acknowledged the validity of security concerns regarding potential increases in scams. Kenyan security expert George Musamali noted that the feature could enhance user privacy, potentially preventing misuse of details and government targeting of critics, but suggested governments might be reacting prematurely, emphasizing the need for a balance between privacy and security.