Algeria’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has urged Meta to ensure that WhatsApp accounts operating in the country remain linked to valid mobile numbers registered with Algerian telecom operators, raising concerns over fraud, identity theft and cybercrime.
The ministry said it does not oppose WhatsApp’s new username feature, which allows users to communicate with new contacts without disclosing their phone numbers. Meta introduced the feature as a privacy measure, with users able to reserve usernames ahead of a broader rollout.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the ministry said the privacy feature should not remove the requirement for WhatsApp accounts in Algeria to be associated with properly documented local mobile numbers.
It asked Meta to provide an official written response confirming that all active WhatsApp accounts in Algeria are linked to valid and documented numbers issued by national telecommunications operators.
The ministry also called on Meta to prevent users from creating or maintaining WhatsApp accounts based solely on usernames without a verified phone number. It asked the company to provide a clear implementation plan and timetable for any technical changes needed to meet the request.
The ministry said the measures were intended to strengthen “digital trust and accountability” and help prevent fraud, identity theft and cybercrime, while not interfering with user privacy or WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp’s username feature is optional. When enabled, a user’s phone number can be hidden from people they contact for the first time, while the underlying phone number remains associated with the account.
The feature is being rolled out in phases, with Algeria among countries included in an early rollout wave, according to technology-platform documentation tracking Meta’s implementation.
Algeria’s request comes amid growing scrutiny by governments of how global technology platforms balance privacy features with requirements for user identification and accountability.
In June, Meta announced the WhatsApp username feature as part of efforts to give users greater control over their phone numbers. The company said users would be able to connect with new people without handing over their phone numbers, while usernames would remain optional.
The Algerian ministry’s position echoes concerns about the potential misuse of privacy-enhancing features, including for scams and impersonation, although the ministry said its requirements were compatible with WhatsApp’s privacy protections.
Algeria’s intervention is part of a broader pattern of African regulators taking a more assertive approach toward global technology companies.
Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has investigated major technology companies including Meta, Alphabet and X over competition concerns.
In South Africa, the Competition Commission has previously recommended that Google compensate local news publishers over alleged anti-competitive conduct.
Nigeria’s competition regulator also fined Meta $220 million in 2024 over alleged violations involving consumer data and privacy. Meta has challenged regulatory actions in several jurisdictions as it navigates increasingly stringent requirements around its platforms.
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