Today in News History

On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 815, Wu Yuanheng, Chinese poet and politician (born 758) passed away. In 884, Huang Chao, Chinese rebel leader (born 835) passed away. In 1024, Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor (born 973) passed away. In 1105, Rashi, French rabbi and commentator (born 1040) passed away. In 1551, John Wallop, English soldier and diplomat (born 1490) passed away. In 1930, The inaugural FIFA World Cup begins in Uruguay. In 2008, Battle of Wanat begins when Taliban and al-Qaeda guerrillas attack US Army and Afghan National Army troops in Afghanistan. The U.S. deaths were, at that time, the most in a single battle since the beginning of operations in 2001. In 2013, Vernon B. Romney, American lawyer and politician, 14th Attorney General of Utah (born 1924) 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.

WhatsApp is getting usernames, so you won’t have to share your phone number: How to claim yours first

Now Magazine

Now Magazine

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July 5, 2026

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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.

Narrative Intelligence Brief

This article was published by Now Magazine, a source frequently categorized with a left 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 Now Magazine, 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 41 related reports from 41 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

41 sources

Left 24%

Center 27%

Right 37%


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.

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.

Gizmodo

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· Jun 29, 2026

You Need to Claim Your WhatsApp Username Right Now

10 years from now, you're going to regret not parking that username.

The Meta Newsroom

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· 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.

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.

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.

iPhone in Canada

Unknown

· 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.

Daily Sabah

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· 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...

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.

TechCrunch

Unknown

· Jun 29, 2026

WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames

WhatsApp username can be between 3 to 35 characters length

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.

Engadget

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· Jul 3, 2026

How to claim a WhatsApp username

Get ready to navigate a free-for-all of social media handles.

Inc.com

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· 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.

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.

Dateline Nigeria

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· 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.

Toronto Sun

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· 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

Entrepreneur.com

lean right

· Jun 30, 2026

WhatsApp Is Finally Giving Its 3 Billion Users a Way to Message Without Sharing Their Phone Number

Starting next week, the Meta-owned messaging app will let all its users reserve a unique username they can share instead of a phone number.

MyJoyOnline

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· 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.

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

Egyptian Gazette

lean right

· 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.

Digital Trends

Unknown

· Jun 29, 2026

How to reserve your WhatsApp username

Claiming your WhatsApp username takes under a minute, but there are a few rules and one important caveat about timing you should understand first.

Brisbane Times

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· 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.

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.

Latestly.com

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· 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.

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.

Borneo Bulletin

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· Jul 2, 2026

India asks Meta to hold WhatsApp username rollout over fraud fears

India asks Meta to hold WhatsApp username rollout over fraud fears

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

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· 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

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

The Eastern Herald

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· 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.

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.

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

Daily Express

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· Jul 8, 2026

Donald Trump shares year-old photo in post boasting of Iran 'retribution' today

The photograph shows an Israeli attack on Iran from June 15, 2025

The Tribune

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· 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.

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 []

ZDNet

center

· 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.

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

Townhall

right

· Jan 1, 2001

LIVE: Trump Is Naming Names, Calling Out the SAVE America Act Traitors 

LIVE: Trump Is Naming Names, Calling Out the SAVE America Act Traitors 

The Motley Fool

lean left

· Jul 13, 2026

Claiming Social Security Spousal Benefits? This Is the 1 Thing You Can't Afford to Get Wrong.

There's one specific rule too many people risk botching.

Russia Today

right

· 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 Hacker News

Unknown

· Jun 29, 2026

WhatsApp is Finally Getting Usernames to Help Keep Phone Numbers Private

WhatsApp on Monday officially announced the start of global reservations of usernames with an aim to protect the privacy of more than three billion users on the messaging platform. The optional feature is designed to help users connect with someone on the service through usernames, as opposed to directly sharing their phone numbers. Username reservations will start rolling out starting today,

Topics:

World · 18
Technology · 10
Politics · 6
Business · 5
Entertainment · 1

Related coverage for "WhatsApp is getting usernames, so you won’t have to share your phone number: How to claim yours first": Vanguard News — WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames. TechRepublic — Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know. Gizmodo — You Need to Claim Your WhatsApp Username Right Now. The Meta Newsroom — It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username. Wired — Usernames Are Coming to WhatsApp Soon. Here's How to Reserve Yours. Hindustan Times — WhatsApp to let users reserve usernames ahead of feature rollout; phone numbers can stay private. iPhone in Canada — WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works. Daily Sabah — WhatsApp to let users connect with usernames instead of phone numbers. India TV News — WhatsApp is bringing username feature, why has India asked it to pause username rollout? Explained. TechCrunch — WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames. The Namibian — WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers. Engadget — How to claim a WhatsApp username. Inc.com — What Happens When 3 Billion WhatsApp Users Fight Over Usernames? We’re Starting to Find Out. TheJournal.ie — You soon won't need to give someone your phone number to chat on WhatsApp. Dateline Nigeria — All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames. Toronto Sun — WhatsApp to close privacy loophole by allowing usernames. Entrepreneur.com — WhatsApp Is Finally Giving Its 3 Billion Users a Way to Message Without Sharing Their Phone Number. MyJoyOnline — Your WhatsApp username is up for grabs – Reserve yours now before someone else takes it. National Post — New privacy roll-out means Whatsapp users won’t have to share their phone numbers. Egyptian Gazette — WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot. Digital Trends — How to reserve your WhatsApp username. Brisbane Times — WhatsApp invites users to reserve usernames as it makes major change. RTÉ News — WhatsApp to allow people chat without using phone numbers. Latestly.com — How To Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Feature Rolls Out. NDTV — WhatsApp To Let Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers Soon. Borneo Bulletin — India asks Meta to hold WhatsApp username rollout over fraud fears. Mashable — Reserve your WhatsApp username before its too late. OneIndia — WhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety Risks. The Next Web — WhatsApp is finally letting users reserve usernames so they never have to hand over their phone number. The Eastern Herald — India Targets Encrypted Messengers by Feature: MeitY Sends Notices to Telegram and Signal. MakeUseOf — Text-message login codes are going away, and the replacement is already on your phone. The Hindu BusinessLine — WhatsApp’s username launch raises questions about impersonation and cyber fraud. Daily Express — Donald Trump shares year-old photo in post boasting of Iran 'retribution' today. The Tribune — WhatsApp to roll out usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers. DNyuz — How to stop people from using your Instagram posts with Meta’s AI. ZDNet — I always change these 7 phone privacy settings on every new device - here's why. India Today — Wedding jo hone nahi wali: Siya Goyal's Snapchat text to friend goes viral. Townhall — LIVE: Trump Is Naming Names, Calling Out the SAVE America Act Traitors . The Motley Fool — Claiming Social Security Spousal Benefits? This Is the 1 Thing You Can't Afford to Get Wrong.. Russia Today — India raises security concerns over new WhatsApp feature. The Hacker News — WhatsApp is Finally Getting Usernames to Help Keep Phone Numbers Private