Algeria asks Meta for assurances on WhatsApp phone-number privacy feature

ALGIERS, Algeria — Algeria's Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has written to Meta seeking a formal explanation of WhatsApp's new privacy feature, which allows users to communicate through a username rather than their phone number. The ministry said it did not object to the option as an additional privacy and user-experience setting, but stressed that all active accounts in the country must remain tied to phone numbers registered and verified with local operators. In its letter, the ministry requested a written commitment that accounts will continue to be linked to document-based phone numbers, that account creation or continued use through usernames alone will not be permitted, and that Meta provide an implementation plan and timeline if technical adjustments to the Algerian market are required. The ministry framed the requests as aimed at reinforcing digital trust, accountability, fraud prevention, identity theft protection, the fight against cybercrime, and compliance with Algerian law. The move comes amid public debate in Algeria, where WhatsApp is widely used for communication, e-commerce and transportation services. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, says the feature lets users reach contacts using a username without displaying their personal phone number. Meta had no immediate public response to the ministry's letter.