By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Algeria’s Ministry of Posts
and Telecommunications has formally asked Meta Platforms to ensure that every
WhatsApp account used in the country remains linked to a valid and
authenticated mobile phone number, following the introduction of the platform’s
usernames feature.
The Ministry said it has no
objection to WhatsApp’s usernames feature, which allows users to communicate
without directly revealing their phone numbers, describing it as a potentially
useful additional feature from both security and user-experience perspectives.
However, it stressed that
the feature should not allow WhatsApp accounts in Algeria to be created or
maintained solely through usernames without an associated verified mobile
number.
In an official
correspondence to Meta, the Ministry requested written confirmation that all
active WhatsApp accounts in Algeria will remain connected to valid mobile
numbers authenticated by national operators.
The Algerian authorities
also asked Meta to provide a clear implementation plan and timetable should
technical adjustments be required to ensure compliance with the requirement in
the Algerian market.
The Ministry said the
measure is necessary and proportionate and does not conflict with user privacy
or WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. It said the objective is to strengthen
digital trust and accountability while helping prevent fraud, impersonation and
cybercrime in accordance with Algerian law.
While usernames can reduce
the need to disclose personal phone numbers when communicating with other
users, the Algerian government maintains that accounts operating within the
country should continue to have a verified mobile identity linked to them.
The Ministry said its
technical teams are prepared to engage directly with Meta and WhatsApp
representatives to address any technical or implementation issues arising from
the requirement.
The request reflects
Algeria’s broader focus on strengthening accountability and security across its
digital ecosystem while balancing emerging privacy features with national
regulatory and cybersecurity requirements.
