Today in News History

On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 884, Huang Chao, Chinese rebel leader (born 835) passed away. In 1105, Rashi, French rabbi and commentator (born 1040) passed away. In 1961, Stelios Manolas, Greek footballer and manager was born. In 1961, Tim Watson, Australian footballer, coach, and journalist was born. In 1997, Josh Hines-Allen, American football player was born. 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, Thomas Matthew Crooks, American student, known for attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump (born 2003) 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, Chino Trinidad, Filipino sports journalist and executive (born 1967) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.

WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works

iPhone in Canada

iPhone in Canada

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June 29, 2026

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Unknown

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.

Narrative Intelligence Brief

This article was published by iPhone in Canada, a source frequently categorized with a Unknown bias based in Canada. 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 iPhone in Canada, readers can better contextualize the information presented and compare it across our broader media matrix to find the real narrative.

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.

How other outlets are covering this story

Compare narratives across 39 related reports from 39 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

39 sources

Left 31%

Center 33%

Right 26%


TheJournal.ie

lean left

· 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.

TechRepublic

center

· 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.

MakeUseOf

Unknown

· Jun 24, 2026

Text-message login codes are going away, and the replacement is already on your phone

You already own your next big security boost.

Inc.com

center

· 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.

TechCrunch

Unknown

· Jun 29, 2026

WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames

WhatsApp username can be between 3 to 35 characters length

India TV News

lean right

· 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.

CNET

center

· Jun 30, 2026

Clicks Demos Its BlackBerry-Like Smartphone in New Video, and I'm Thrilled

A new video shows the 500 Clicks Communicator phone actually working. It offers a preview of all the typing and messaging that's to come.

Dateline Nigeria

center

· 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.

Engadget

center

· Jun 29, 2026

WhatsApp introduces usernames so you can chat without phone numbers

WhatsApp is launching usernames later this year, but you can reserve yours starting this week.

Vanguard News

lean left

· Jun 29, 2026

WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames

Instead, people will be able to pick unique usernames to share with others, in a move designed to protect the privacy of your phone number, WhatsApp said in a statement. The post WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames appeared first on Vanguard News.

Hindustan Times

lean left

· 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.

The Tribune

center

· 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.

The Meta Newsroom

center

· 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.

The Hindu BusinessLine

lean right

· Jun 30, 2026

WhatsApp’s username launch raises questions about impersonation and cyber fraud

While the username key controls who can contact a person first, it cannot stop someone pretending to be that person

Digital Trends

Unknown

· Jun 29, 2026

WhatsApp is finally getting usernames and you should go reserve yours right now

WhatsApp usernames are coming later this year, but reservations are open now, and with three billion users on the platform, the good names are going fast.

RTÉ News

lean left

· 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.

Wired

lean left

· Jun 29, 2026

Usernames Are Coming to WhatsApp Soon. Here's How to Reserve Yours

Even if you only use WhatsApp sometimes, you might want to snag your username now to stop giving out your phone number.

Daily Sabah

right

· 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...

The Eastern Herald

center

· 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.

Daily Dot

left

· Jul 11, 2026

Woman Says Boyfriend Accidentally Revealed Dating Apps While Screen Sharing: “Tell Me Why Hinge Was There”

A Reddit user says she discovered dating apps on her boyfriend’s phone after he accidentally shared his screen during a FaceTime call. The woman shared on Reddit’s r/GirlDinnerDiaries that what began as a routine conversation quickly took an unexpected turn. Technology is amazing, and now those with iPhone can share their screen with the person Sign up to receive the Daily Dot’s Internet Insider newsletter for urgent news from the frontline of online. The post Woman Says Boyfriend Accidentally Revealed Dating Apps While Screen Sharing: “Tell Me Why Hinge Was There” appeared first on The Daily Dot.

The Namibian

lean left

· 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.

BBC News - Business

center

· Jun 30, 2026

WhatsApp to let people chat by swapping usernames instead of phone numbers

The app's new usernames feature will be rolled out globally over the next few months.

Upworthy

left

· Jul 8, 2026

Man who was mistakenly added to a group chat shares the moment he knew they’d be lifelong friends

Now I know some pretty dope people. The post Man who was mistakenly added to a group chat shares the moment he knew they’d be lifelong friends appeared first on Upworthy.

NDTV

lean right

· 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.

BBC News

center

· Jun 29, 2026

WhatsApp to let people chat without swapping phone numbers

The app's new usernames feature will be rolled out globally over the next few months.

Mashable

lean left

· 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.

OneIndia

center

· Jun 30, 2026

WhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety Risks

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out its long-awaited username feature, allowing users to connect without revealing their phone numbers. While the update is aimed at strengthening privacy, it has also triggered concerns that it could create new opportunities for scammers and

Legit.ng

center

· Jun 23, 2026

"How do you even sleep at night?": Obi Cubana shares cryptic post, netizens react

Popular Nigerian billionaire Obi Cubana left social media users talking after he shared a cryptic message to address people who show him bitterness

Latestly.com

right

· Jul 6, 2026

Donald Trump Shares AI-Generated Image of Barack and Michelle Obama With 'Alhamdulillah' Graffiti on Air Force One

US President Donald Trump has drawn fresh attention after posting a digitally altered image on his social media platform, Truth Social, featuring former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama alongside a defaced Air Force One.

Toronto Sun

right

· Jun 30, 2026

WhatsApp to close privacy loophole by allowing usernames

People can reserve a unique username this week ahead of new feature's launch later this year

The Independent

lean left

· 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

Knewz

lean right

· Jul 6, 2026

President Donald Trump escalates attacks on up-and-coming Dems, compares one to Pee-wee Herman and another to ‘Mad’ magazine’s cartoon mascot

President Donald Trump marked the Fourth of July with fresh attacks on two rising Democrats, posting images on Truth Social comparing Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff to Pee-wee Herman and Texas state Rep. James Talarico to Alfred E. Neuman, the gap-toothed mascot of MAD Magazine. Trump shared the Ossoff image at 2:11 a.m. on July 4,...

The Next Web

lean left

· Jun 29, 2026

WhatsApp is finally letting users reserve usernames so they never have to hand over their phone number

WhatsApp is opening username reservations starting today, allowing its more than three billion users to connect with people without sharing their phone number for the first time. The feature, which has been in development for several years, will officially roll out later this year. A phone number is still required to create an account, but [] This story continues at The Next Web

National Post

lean right

· 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

India Today

lean right

· Jul 4, 2026

Wedding jo hone nahi wali: Siya Goyal's Snapchat text to friend goes viral

Wedding jo hone nahi wali: Siya Goyal's Snapchat text to friend goes viral

Al Jazeera

lean left

· Jun 30, 2026

What privacy settings has WhatsApp changed?

The app said it will be rolling out usernames gradually, in a move meant to improve privacy.

DNyuz

lean right

· Jul 8, 2026

How to stop people from using your Instagram posts with Meta’s AI

Instagram profiles now automatically allow users to share and modify other people’s public posts, including their profile picture, with Meta’s new AI model, Muse Image. Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images Instagram profiles default to letting users share and modify their content with Meta’s new AI model. The feature allows users to download your posts, including []

AzerNews

Unknown

· Jun 22, 2026

Russian mayor’s Telegram channel briefly hacked, revealing messages like 'Moscow will burn'

The personal Telegram channel of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin was briefly compromised on June 21, with hackers posting a series of unexpected and politically charged messages before the account was restored, AzerNEWS reports.

Irish Star

center

· Jul 7, 2026

Belgian Prime Minister's cat mocks Donald Trump after USA's World Cup 2026 elimination

The official Instagram account of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever's cat Maximus took a jab at Donald Trump after the United States was knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a 4-1 Belgium vs USA defeat

Topics:

World · 23
Technology · 8
Business · 4
Politics · 3
Lifestyle · 1

Related coverage for "WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works": TheJournal.ie — You soon won't need to give someone your phone number to chat on WhatsApp. TechRepublic — Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know. MakeUseOf — Text-message login codes are going away, and the replacement is already on your phone. Inc.com — What Happens When 3 Billion WhatsApp Users Fight Over Usernames? We’re Starting to Find Out. TechCrunch — WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames. India TV News — WhatsApp is bringing username feature, why has India asked it to pause username rollout? Explained. CNET — Clicks Demos Its BlackBerry-Like Smartphone in New Video, and I'm Thrilled. Dateline Nigeria — All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames. Engadget — WhatsApp introduces usernames so you can chat without phone numbers. Vanguard News — WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames. Hindustan Times — WhatsApp to let users reserve usernames ahead of feature rollout; phone numbers can stay private. The Tribune — WhatsApp to roll out usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers. The Meta Newsroom — It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username. The Hindu BusinessLine — WhatsApp’s username launch raises questions about impersonation and cyber fraud. Digital Trends — WhatsApp is finally getting usernames and you should go reserve yours right now. RTÉ News — WhatsApp to allow people chat without using phone numbers. Wired — Usernames Are Coming to WhatsApp Soon. Here's How to Reserve Yours. Daily Sabah — WhatsApp to let users connect with usernames instead of phone numbers. The Eastern Herald — India Targets Encrypted Messengers by Feature: MeitY Sends Notices to Telegram and Signal. Daily Dot — Woman Says Boyfriend Accidentally Revealed Dating Apps While Screen Sharing: “Tell Me Why Hinge Was There”. The Namibian — WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers. BBC News - Business — WhatsApp to let people chat by swapping usernames instead of phone numbers. Upworthy — Man who was mistakenly added to a group chat shares the moment he knew they’d be lifelong friends. NDTV — WhatsApp To Let Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers Soon. BBC News — WhatsApp to let people chat without swapping phone numbers. Mashable — Reserve your WhatsApp username before its too late. OneIndia — WhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety Risks. Legit.ng — "How do you even sleep at night?": Obi Cubana shares cryptic post, netizens react. Latestly.com — Donald Trump Shares AI-Generated Image of Barack and Michelle Obama With 'Alhamdulillah' Graffiti on Air Force One. Toronto Sun — WhatsApp to close privacy loophole by allowing usernames. The Independent — Parents of Mississippi teen who died on July 4 trip beg for information as lawyer says ‘it’s not adding up’. Knewz — President Donald Trump escalates attacks on up-and-coming Dems, compares one to Pee-wee Herman and another to ‘Mad’ magazine’s cartoon mascot. The Next Web — WhatsApp is finally letting users reserve usernames so they never have to hand over their phone number. National Post — New privacy roll-out means Whatsapp users won’t have to share their phone numbers. India Today — Wedding jo hone nahi wali: Siya Goyal's Snapchat text to friend goes viral. Al Jazeera — What privacy settings has WhatsApp changed?. DNyuz — How to stop people from using your Instagram posts with Meta’s AI. AzerNews — Russian mayor’s Telegram channel briefly hacked, revealing messages like 'Moscow will burn'. Irish Star — Belgian Prime Minister's cat mocks Donald Trump after USA's World Cup 2026 elimination