Somalia Presses Meta for Safeguards Before WhatsApp Username Rollout

Somalia presses Meta for safeguards before WhatsApp username rollout

Open the article to view the coverage from Somali Guardian

WhatsApp usernames: Why Somalia fears they will pose a security risk

People will be able to chat without revealing their contact number once the new feature is rolled out.

Meta Under Fire as Countries Challenge WhatsApp Username Feature

Several countries have raised serious objections to WhatsApp proposed username feature, warning that the change could undermine ongoing efforts against terrorism, financial fraud and cybercrime. Somalia and India are among the nations that have formally approached Meta, urging the company to address their security concerns before rolling out the feature. The Somali government has contacted […] The post Meta Under Fire as Countries Challenge What…

Somalia Fears New WhatsApp Feature Could Aid Militants

Somalia has raised concerns with Meta over WhatsApp’s planned username feature, warning that allowing users to communicate without displaying phone numbers could undermine efforts to combat terrorism, fraud, and organized crime. Communications Minister Ahmed Osman Dirie said authorities rely on verified phone numbers to investigate criminal networks, including al-Shabab, which has used WhatsApp for extortion […]

Why WhatsApp usernames could upset Somalia’s anti-terror fight

Somalia’s government has told the BBC it is concerned about WhatsApp’s plan to launch a new feature that would let people chat using usernames rather than phone numbers, saying it could pose a security risk. Communications and Technology Minister Ahmed Osman Dirie said it could make it harder to trace and counter criminals in a country that is still battling Islamist militants. The rollout to three billion global users of WhatsApp worldwide is e…