Today in News History
On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 939, Leo VII, pope of the Catholic Church passed away. In 1863, American Civil War: The New York City draft riots begin three days of rioting which will later be regarded as the worst in United States history. In 1922, Martin Dies Sr., American journalist and politician (born 1870) passed away. In 1973, Watergate scandal: Alexander Butterfield reveals the existence of a secret Oval Office taping system to investigators for the Senate Watergate Committee. In 1977, New York City: Amidst a period of financial and social turmoil experiences an electrical blackout lasting nearly 24 hours that leads to widespread fires and looting. In 1990, Lenin Peak disaster: a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan triggers an avalanche on Lenin Peak, killing 43 climbers in the deadliest mountaineering disaster in history. In 2016, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron resigns, and is succeeded by Theresa May. In 2020, Zindzi Mandela, South African politician, diplomat, and third daughter of Nelson Mandela (born 1960) passed away. In 2024, President of the United States Donald Trump is injured in an assassination attempt while speaking at an election campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. In 2024, Richard Simmons, American fitness personality and public figure (born 1948) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.
What privacy settings has WhatsApp changed?
The app said it will be rolling out usernames gradually, in a move meant to improve privacy.
Narrative Intelligence Brief
This article was published by Al Jazeera, a source frequently categorized with a lean left bias based in Qatar. Our narrative intelligence engine continuously monitors coverage from this outlet to track framing, bias, and rhetorical patterns. Our initial algorithmic scan of this specific piece did not flag high-confidence rhetorical techniques, suggesting a generally straightforward reporting style or neutral framing. By understanding the editorial perspective of Al Jazeera, readers can better contextualize the information presented and compare it across our broader media matrix to find the real narrative.
More from Al Jazeera
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Anti-terror police take over probe into death of UK politician Widdecombe
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India thrash England in historic first women’s cricket Test match at Lord’s
Analysis Methodology
This narrative analysis was generated using the CoDataLab Global Intelligence Engine. Our proprietary AI scans thousands of cross-border sources to identify sentiment patterns, framing techniques, and potential media bias. While AI provides the data-driven foundation, our objective is to empower readers with additional context beyond the standard headline.The content displayed above is a structured summary designed for rapid information processing. For the full original report, please visit the source outlet.More Coverage
Discussion
"iran blockade"
Trump Revives Iran Blockade, Demands 20% Toll for US 'Guarding' Strait of Hormuz

US to resume Iran blockade, ‘guard’ Strait of Hormuz and charge 20 per cent toll
British forces set to march in France's Bastille Day celebrations for first time in over 20 years

How other outlets are covering this story
Compare narratives across 38 related reports from 38 sources. Real Narrative News aggregates the coverage spectrum so you can see who emphasises what — bias tags reflect the outlet, not the story.
Coverage bias distribution
38 sources
Left 29%
Center 37%
Right 24%
iPhone in Canada
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works
WhatsApp is rolling out a pretty big privacy change that’s going to let people connect with each other without ever having to hand over their actual phone number. Starting this week, you can lock in a username for yourself ahead of the official rollout later this year, and given that WhatsApp has something like 3 [] The post WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works first appeared on iPhone in Canada.
Vanguard News
· Jun 29, 2026
Data Privacy: WhatsApp to let users chat without sharing phone numbers
By Juliet Umeh Meta-owned WhatsApp has unveiled a new privacy feature that will allow users to chat without sharing their phone numbers, giving users greater control over their personal information. The messaging platform on Monday began rolling out username reservations globally ahead of the feature’s full launch later this year. With the update, users who [] The post Data Privacy: WhatsApp to let users chat without sharing phone numbers appeared first on Vanguard News.
National Post
· Jun 30, 2026
New privacy roll-out means Whatsapp users won’t have to share their phone numbers
Instead users will exchange messages using their chosen usernames
TechRepublic
· Jun 30, 2026
Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know
WhatsApp is rolling out usernames so people can chat without sharing phone numbers. Here’s how reservations, username keys, and rules work. The post Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on TechRepublic.
NDTV
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp To Let Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers Soon
The hundreds of millions who use Meta-owned messenger WhatsApp to chat with family, friends or businesses will no longer need to share phone numbers under a coming update, the company said Monday.
The Tribune
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp to roll out usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers
In a post on X, the Head of WhatsApp, Kunal Shah, shared the update and said, Timing is everything. Joined WhatsApp early enough to claim my username before we release this to the world. Time to get yours. A more private way to connect. Coming soon to your WhatsApp.
MyJoyOnline
· Jun 29, 2026
Your WhatsApp username is up for grabs – Reserve yours now before someone else takes it
WhatsApp has announced a privacy update that will allow users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers, as the messaging platform introduces usernames for the first time.
Dateline Nigeria
· Jul 1, 2026
All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames
After 17 years of phone-number-only contact, WhatsApp is rolling out usernames to let users chat without handing out your digits. Usernames are also expected to go live later this year. Here’s what’s happening and how to grab yours. 1. What WhatsApp usernames actually areUsernames are unique handles, like @BenMal or @DDDBank, that you can use The post All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames appeared first on Dateline Nigeria.
TheJournal.ie
· Jun 29, 2026
You soon won't need to give someone your phone number to chat on WhatsApp
WhatsApp is rolling out usernames that can be used to contact people on the app.
Hindustan Times
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp to let users reserve usernames ahead of feature rollout; phone numbers can stay private
WhatsApp has begun allowing users to reserve usernames before the feature launches globally later this year. The update let's users chat without phone numbers.
TechCrunch
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames
WhatsApp username can be between 3 to 35 characters length
CNET
· Jun 30, 2026
WhatsApp Lets You Reserve a Username, Making Your Phone Number More Private
Once WhatsApp's username feature is launched, you'll be able to protect the privacy of your phone number for new contacts.
Egyptian Gazette
· Jul 1, 2026
WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot
LONDON — WhatsApp users will soon get the option of going by usernames instead of phone numbers, the company said Monday, announcing plans to address a privacy blind spot, AP reported. The app said it has started allowing users to reserve unique usernames, which can be used to contact WhatsApp users when the feature is [] The post WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot appeared first on Egyptian Gazette.
The Hacker News
· Jun 23, 2026
WhatsApp VBScript Campaign Uses Fake Documents to Install ManageEngine RMM Tool
Direct messages sent via WhatsApp are being used to distribute malicious Visual Basic Script (VBScript) files that lead to the installation of legitimate Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software. Per findings from Kaspersky, the active campaign is targeting users of WhatsApp Desktop and WhatsApp Web across Malaysia, Brazil, India, Mexico, Singapore, the U.K., Spain, Taiwan, Australia,
Inc.com
· Jul 2, 2026
What Happens When 3 Billion WhatsApp Users Fight Over Usernames? We’re Starting to Find Out
WhatsApp is rolling out usernames, and there are already signs of fraud. Here’s how to reserve yours.
The Eastern Herald
· Jul 3, 2026
India Targets Encrypted Messengers by Feature: MeitY Sends Notices to Telegram and Signal
India's MeitY sent notices to Telegram and Signal asking them to justify their username features amid fraud concerns. The action, a day after WhatsApp was told to pause its own username rollout, marks India's shift from app bans to feature-by-feature scrutiny of messaging platforms.
OneIndia
· Jul 5, 2026
BJP MP Sambit Patra's WhatsApp HACKED , Fraudsters Seek Money From His Contacts, Check
In the latest development, Senior BJP leader - Ambit Patra's WhatsApp is hacked as claimed by him. In his latest post on X, he mentioned that the hacker is allegedly using his number to send messages asking people for money. He
BOL News
· Jun 27, 2026
Have you been blocked? WhatsApp may have a hidden clue
End-to-end encryption verification system may show unusual behavior in blocked chats. The post Have you been blocked? WhatsApp may have a hidden clue appeared first on BOL News.
ZDNet
· Jun 21, 2026
I always change these 7 phone privacy settings on every new device - here's why
Your phone holds a lot of personal information, from where you go to who you talk to every day. Here's how to limit who can access your data and when.
The Namibian
· Jul 1, 2026
WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers
Whatsapp is set to let people chat without having to reveal their phone number – by exchanging unique usernames instead. This will be rolled out globally to the platform’s three billion account holders over the next few months, the platform says. From this week, users will start being able to reserve a name via the [] The post WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers appeared first on The Namibian.
Brisbane Times
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp invites users to reserve usernames as it makes major change
WhatsApp users will soon get the option of going by usernames instead of phone numbers, the company said, announcing plans to address a privacy blind spot.
The Independent
· Jul 10, 2026
Parents of Mississippi teen who died on July 4 trip beg for information as lawyer says ‘it’s not adding up’
The family believes text messages from social media apps had been deleted from his phone when they got it back, and they plan to employ experts to try to receive all the data they can
RTÉ News
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp to allow people chat without using phone numbers
WhatsApp users will no longer have to share phone numbers to exchange messages as part of the latest update to the service.
India TV News
· Jul 2, 2026
WhatsApp is bringing username feature, why has India asked it to pause username rollout? Explained
After years of relying on phone numbers as the only way to connect, WhatsApp is now rolling out an update that allows users to create usernames. The update allows users connect using usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. However, the Meta-based company clarified that users would still require a phone number to create an account.
South China Morning Post
· Jul 2, 2026
India orders WhatsApp to halt username feature over anonymity concerns
India has asked WhatsApp to justify the implementation of a planned feature covering usernames and to freeze the roll-out in its biggest market, escalating a crackdown on messaging anonymity that began with Telegram, according to a government letter. Earlier this week, Meta’s WhatsApp said it had begun a phased global roll-out, including in India, of the feature, which lets users reserve a unique username and eventually message others without sharing their phone numbers. The intervention is an...
The Meta Newsroom
· Jun 29, 2026
It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username
We're launching usernames for WhatsApp, so you can connect with people without giving out your phone number. The post It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username appeared first on Meta Newsroom.
Digital Trends
· Jun 30, 2026
WhatsApp clears that usernames won’t leave you open to scammers
WhatsApp says its upcoming username feature includes multiple safeguards to prevent scams, impersonation, and unwanted messages after users raised privacy concerns.
Now Magazine
· Jul 5, 2026
WhatsApp is getting usernames, so you won’t have to share your phone number: How to claim yours first
What to know Ever hesitated to give your phone number to someone you just met, but still wanted to stay in touch? Now, WhatsApp is... The post WhatsApp is getting usernames, so you won’t have to share your phone number: How to claim yours first appeared first on NOW Toronto.
AllSides
· Jul 7, 2026
No, The American Experiment Is Not Destined For Failure
With all the news flooding our TV screens and cellphones, it is practically impossible to separate truth from slanted information and blatant fabrications. Many people have given up—I don't follow politics anymore—and go with whatever their social groups tell them. This is by design.
Mashable
· Jun 29, 2026
Reserve your WhatsApp username before its too late
WhatsApp is now letting its more than 3 billion users reserve the username they'd like to use on the platform.
Daily Sabah
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp to let users connect with usernames instead of phone numbers
WhatsApp will soon allow users to create and share unique usernames instead of exposing their phone numbers, the messaging platform announced Monday, introducing a long-awaited pri...
Utusan Malaysia
· Jun 28, 2026
Cari ilmu agama di media sosial, kebenaran jangan cicir
MEDIA sosial secara umumnya telah mengubah landskap penyebaran ilmu agama secara besar-besaran sehingga masyarakat kini boleh mengakses pelbagai bentuk pengajian hanya melalui telefon pintar. Menurut Pengerusi Yayasan Darul Hadis Al-Filfilaniyyah dan Mudir Am Pusat Pengajian Darul Hadis Pulau Pinang, Hanif Haron perubahan tersebut membuka ruang yang luas kepada masyarakat untuk mendekati ilmu agama. Katanya, jika ... Read more The post Cari ilmu agama di media sosial, kebenaran jangan cicir appeared first on Utusan Malaysia.
Legit.ng
· Jul 6, 2026
How to secure your WhatsApp username handle and hide your phone number
WhatsApp boosts user privacy with username, allowing anonymity in interactions. New business tools improve customer engagement without showing phone numbers.
Russia Today
· Jul 2, 2026
India raises security concerns over new WhatsApp feature
India has raised concerns over WhatsApp usernames, while Meta says it has built guardrails against username abuse Read Full Article at RT.com
The Economic Times
· Jul 2, 2026
Perks and perils of new WhatsApp shift
Perks and perils of new WhatsApp shift
Latestly.com
· Jun 29, 2026
How To Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Feature Rolls Out
WhatsApp has begun rolling out username reservations, allowing users to secure a unique username before the feature launches later this year. Users can reserve a username by updating WhatsApp and going to Settings > Account > Username. The privacy-focused feature will let people connect without sharing their phone numbers once it becomes widely available.
Quartz
· Jul 10, 2026
20 things your phone knows about you that you never told it
Your location history, your political views, your financial situation — your phone has inferred all of it, from data you didn't know you were providing
The Next Web
· Jul 3, 2026
India widens its usernames crackdown to Telegram and Signal
A government source says the IT ministry has sent notices to both apps, a day after ordering WhatsApp to pause its own usernames rollout. India’s technology ministry has sent notices to Telegram and Signal raising concerns over their usernames features, a government source told Reuters, extending a regulatory push that began with WhatsApp just a [] This story continues at The Next Web
Topics:
Related coverage for "What privacy settings has WhatsApp changed?": iPhone in Canada — WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works. Vanguard News — Data Privacy: WhatsApp to let users chat without sharing phone numbers. National Post — New privacy roll-out means Whatsapp users won’t have to share their phone numbers. TechRepublic — Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know. NDTV — WhatsApp To Let Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers Soon. The Tribune — WhatsApp to roll out usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers. MyJoyOnline — Your WhatsApp username is up for grabs – Reserve yours now before someone else takes it. Dateline Nigeria — All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames. TheJournal.ie — You soon won't need to give someone your phone number to chat on WhatsApp. Hindustan Times — WhatsApp to let users reserve usernames ahead of feature rollout; phone numbers can stay private. TechCrunch — WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames. CNET — WhatsApp Lets You Reserve a Username, Making Your Phone Number More Private. Egyptian Gazette — WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot. The Hacker News — WhatsApp VBScript Campaign Uses Fake Documents to Install ManageEngine RMM Tool. Inc.com — What Happens When 3 Billion WhatsApp Users Fight Over Usernames? We’re Starting to Find Out. The Eastern Herald — India Targets Encrypted Messengers by Feature: MeitY Sends Notices to Telegram and Signal. OneIndia — BJP MP Sambit Patra's WhatsApp HACKED , Fraudsters Seek Money From His Contacts, Check . BOL News — Have you been blocked? WhatsApp may have a hidden clue. ZDNet — I always change these 7 phone privacy settings on every new device - here's why. The Namibian — WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers. Brisbane Times — WhatsApp invites users to reserve usernames as it makes major change. The Independent — Parents of Mississippi teen who died on July 4 trip beg for information as lawyer says ‘it’s not adding up’. RTÉ News — WhatsApp to allow people chat without using phone numbers. India TV News — WhatsApp is bringing username feature, why has India asked it to pause username rollout? Explained. South China Morning Post — India orders WhatsApp to halt username feature over anonymity concerns. The Meta Newsroom — It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username. Digital Trends — WhatsApp clears that usernames won’t leave you open to scammers. Now Magazine — WhatsApp is getting usernames, so you won’t have to share your phone number: How to claim yours first. AllSides — No, The American Experiment Is Not Destined For Failure. Mashable — Reserve your WhatsApp username before its too late. Daily Sabah — WhatsApp to let users connect with usernames instead of phone numbers. Utusan Malaysia — Cari ilmu agama di media sosial, kebenaran jangan cicir. Legit.ng — How to secure your WhatsApp username handle and hide your phone number. Russia Today — India raises security concerns over new WhatsApp feature. The Economic Times — Perks and perils of new WhatsApp shift . Latestly.com — How To Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Feature Rolls Out. Quartz — 20 things your phone knows about you that you never told it. The Next Web — India widens its usernames crackdown to Telegram and Signal