4 Hrs
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الشرق الأوسط
Somalia worries about WhatsApp update impacting anti-terror efforts
The article focused on the Somali government's concerns regarding the launch of the "Username" feature on the WhatsApp application, which allows users to choose a unique name instead of their phone number. The government believes this feature could make it more difficult to track criminals, especially extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, which use WhatsApp for blackmail and propaganda activities. They expressed concern that increased use of usernames unlinked to phone numbers might lead to a rise in cybercrimes and facilitate financial scams, particularly in a country heavily dependent on mobile money transfers. The Somali government has called on Meta to provide guarantees ensuring tracking capabilities and security, emphasizing that the feature is not yet active and that users will still need a phone number to use WhatsApp, with additional security options available. The article explains that the goal of the feature is to enhance privacy, but it also raises fears of reduced oversight and making it easier for terrorist groups to operate within the country.
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