Algeria’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has formally requested Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, to enforce strict local phone number verification for all active WhatsApp accounts within the country.
The regulatory directive follows Meta's global rollout of its username-based contact feature in mid-2026, which allows users to communicate using unique handles (@username) without revealing their primary telephone numbers.
While Algerian authorities clarified that they do not object to the username feature as a supplementary privacy measure, they insisted that every active account operating in Algeria must remain tethered to a verified, documented mobile number registered with a domestic telecom operator.
The ministry requested a written commitment and a technical compliance roadmap from Meta, urging the tech giant to block or restrict accounts that rely purely on standalone usernames without valid SIM registration.
Authorities framed the measure as vital for digital accountability, preventing identity theft, and combating cross-border cybercrime.
This move underscores growing scrutiny from global regulators over Meta's identity framework.
Algeria’s stance mirrors action taken by India, which became the first nation to ask Meta to pause its username rollout.
The dispute also reflects broader friction between Big Tech platforms and African governments over market dominance, data privacy compliance, and national security regulations.
"This request does not conflict with user privacy or end-to-end encryption. The goal is to ensure digital trust, accountability, and prevent cybercrime under national law." — Algeria Ministry of Post & Telecommunications
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