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 1551, John Wallop, English soldier and diplomat (born 1490) passed away. In 1960, Curtis Rouse, American football player (died 2013) was born. In 1970, Leslie Groves, American general and engineer (born 1896) passed away. 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 1977, Chris Horn, American football player was born. In 2014, Thomas Berger, American author and playwright (born 1924) passed away. 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. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.

WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames

TechCrunch

TechCrunch

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June 29, 2026

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WhatsApp username can be between 3 to 35 characters length

Narrative Intelligence Brief

This article was published by TechCrunch, a source frequently categorized with a center bias based in United States of America. 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 TechCrunch, 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 42 related reports from 42 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

42 sources

Left 33%

Center 29%

Right 29%


Hindustan Times

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· 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.

Vanguard News

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· 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.

Mashable

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· 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.

TechRepublic

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· 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.

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.

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.

TheJournal.ie

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· 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.

CNET

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· 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.

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.

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

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...

Wired

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· 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.

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.

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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· 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.

NDTV

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· 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.

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.

National Post

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· 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

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· 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.

Entrepreneur.com

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· 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.

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

RTÉ News

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· 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.

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.

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.

The Next Web

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· 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

Digital Trends

Unknown

· 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.

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.

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,

The i Paper

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· Jun 23, 2026

How new First Time Buy ISA will work – and what it means for Lifetime ISA holders

Savers using the new account will not be hit by the same penalties for withdrawal as with the Lifetime version

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 []

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.

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 West Australian

lean right

· Jun 25, 2026

Scam victim reveals devastating moment entire life savings disappear in 10-minute phone call with scammer

A scam victim has revealed the devastating moment they lost their entire life savings in a 10-minute call to a scammer using sophisticated technology to impersonate a bank.

Al Jazeera

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· 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.

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

The Jerusalem Post

center

· Jun 28, 2026

The faces of many notable American Jews over the years: A treat for America's 250th

On this July 4, it’s most important to recall individuals whom we met personally and who shared their lives with us.

Variety

lean left

· Jun 28, 2026

‘Memorizu’ Review: A Tender, Artful Japanese Reflection on the Media That Keep Us Together

We all used to send postcards to show loved ones our location when we traveled away from home; some of us still do, though it’s a practice tinged with nostalgia. It’s more immediate, after all, just to send a photo, though somehow both more and less personal: What you lose in tactile, handwritten effort, you []

The korea Herald News

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· Jul 5, 2026

Woori Bank data leak affects 17,551 customers

The personal information of 17,551 Woori Bank customers was leaked after an employee at an external software developer retained customer data without authorization and uploaded it, the bank said Friday. The leaked information included connecting information, or CI, an encrypted identifier used to verify individuals online, as well as customer nicknames. Phone numbers, resident registration numbers and home addresses were not compromised, according to the bank. The affected customers had expresse

Metro

lean left

· Jul 4, 2026

Video games need an expiry date if they’re going to be digital only – Reader’s Feature

With PlayStation gamers no longer able to own the games they buy, as Sony moves to an all-digital future, a reader argues they should be given a guarantee of how long a download will last.

OpIndia

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· Jun 30, 2026

WhatsApp announces usernames: How to reserve yours, hide your number and what concerns are being raised; all you need to know

Reservations are opening gradually before the full 2026 launch. Users can hide phone numbers, claim Meta-linked handles and use an optional username key to block first-time messages from people who do not know the code.

Irish Mirror

lean left

· Jun 28, 2026

Gardaí issue warning over sophisticated text message scam targeting bank accounts

One victim unknowingly handed over access to his online account after receiving a text message and phone call from scammers claiming to be bank officials, Gardaí have warned

Topics:

World · 22
Technology · 10
Politics · 4
Business · 3
Entertainment · 2

Related coverage for "WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames": Hindustan Times — WhatsApp to let users reserve usernames ahead of feature rollout; phone numbers can stay private. Vanguard News — WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames. Mashable — Reserve your WhatsApp username before its too late. TechRepublic — Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know. Inc.com — What Happens When 3 Billion WhatsApp Users Fight Over Usernames? We’re Starting to Find Out. Latestly.com — How To Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Feature Rolls Out. TheJournal.ie — You soon won't need to give someone your phone number to chat on WhatsApp. CNET — WhatsApp Lets You Reserve a Username, Making Your Phone Number More Private. The Meta Newsroom — It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username. Toronto Sun — WhatsApp to close privacy loophole by allowing usernames. Daily Sabah — WhatsApp to let users connect with usernames instead of phone numbers. Wired — Usernames Are Coming to WhatsApp Soon. Here's How to Reserve Yours. iPhone in Canada — WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works. The Namibian — WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers. Engadget — WhatsApp introduces usernames so you can chat without phone numbers. NDTV — WhatsApp To Let Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers Soon. India TV News — WhatsApp is bringing username feature, why has India asked it to pause username rollout? Explained. 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. Entrepreneur.com — WhatsApp Is Finally Giving Its 3 Billion Users a Way to Message Without Sharing Their Phone Number. OneIndia — WhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety Risks. RTÉ News — WhatsApp to allow people chat without using phone numbers. Dateline Nigeria — All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames. MyJoyOnline — Your WhatsApp username is up for grabs – Reserve yours now before someone else takes it. The Next Web — WhatsApp is finally letting users reserve usernames so they never have to hand over their phone number. Digital Trends — WhatsApp clears that usernames won’t leave you open to scammers. Brisbane Times — WhatsApp invites users to reserve usernames as it makes major change. The Hacker News — WhatsApp is Finally Getting Usernames to Help Keep Phone Numbers Private. The i Paper — How new First Time Buy ISA will work – and what it means for Lifetime ISA holders. 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. Gizmodo — You Need to Claim Your WhatsApp Username Right Now. MakeUseOf — Text-message login codes are going away, and the replacement is already on your phone. The West Australian — Scam victim reveals devastating moment entire life savings disappear in 10-minute phone call with scammer. Al Jazeera — What privacy settings has WhatsApp changed?. The Hindu BusinessLine — WhatsApp’s username launch raises questions about impersonation and cyber fraud. The Jerusalem Post — The faces of many notable American Jews over the years: A treat for America's 250th. Variety — ‘Memorizu’ Review: A Tender, Artful Japanese Reflection on the Media That Keep Us Together. The korea Herald News — Woori Bank data leak affects 17,551 customers. Metro — Video games need an expiry date if they’re going to be digital only – Reader’s Feature. OpIndia — WhatsApp announces usernames: How to reserve yours, hide your number and what concerns are being raised; all you need to know. Irish Mirror — Gardaí issue warning over sophisticated text message scam targeting bank accounts