# How WhatsApp usernames could hinder Somalia's anti-terror fight

Somali authorities warn that WhatsApp's new username feature, which allows users to hide their phone numbers, could help militants like al-Shabab evade surveillance. This makes it harder for security forces to track and disrupt terrorist communications. The change threatens to undermine ongoing counterterrorism efforts in a country already facing significant security challenges.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### World
- [BBC World](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce97zxdkeyyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 23:46:35 GMT