Somalia: (RightNow) Several countries express concern over WhatsApp’s new username feature. They claim it could hinder efforts to prevent terrorism and financial fraud.

Somalia’s government demands Meta clarify the security aspects of this feature. Communications Minister Ahmed Osman Diri states it may complicate criminal identification.

Due to the insurgency of Al-Shabaab and reliance on mobile money services, this change gains significance in Somalia. The minister warns criminals might exploit usernames to deceive.

It is noteworthy that in Somalia, the extremist group Al-Shabaab has used WhatsApp for extortion and threats. In 2024, intelligence agencies shut down such groups.

India also raises objections to this feature, with 850 million users. Meta assures that security measures will accompany the feature.