Today in History
On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1551, John Wallop, English soldier and diplomat (born 1490) 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. More
WhatsApp to roll out usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers
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 26%
Center 29%
Right 36%
TechCrunch
· Jul 6, 2026
How to reserve and change your WhatsApp username
WhatsApp now lets users reserve usernames ahead of the feature’s full rollout, making it possible to connect without sharing a phone number once usernames go live.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Vanguard News
· Jun 29, 2026
Data privacy: WhatsApp to let users chat without sharing phone numbers
By Juliet Umeh Meta’s messaging platform, WhatsApp, has unveiled a new feature that will allow users to initiate conversations without revealing their phone numbers, in a move aimed at enhancing privacy and giving users greater control over their personal information. The platform on Monday, June 29, began rolling out username reservations globally ahead of the [] The post Data privacy: WhatsApp to let users chat without sharing phone numbers appeared first on Vanguard News.
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.
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.
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.
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
Wired
· 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.
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.
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.
OneIndia
· 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
Entrepreneur.com
· 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MakeUseOf
· 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
· Jul 7, 2026
WA Police issue warning as Telstra outage disrupts calls to Triple Zero
People trying to call Triple Zero are being affected by a nationwide Telstra outage.
Fox News
· Jun 22, 2026
How to stop scam texts from targeting aging parents
Learn how to protect elderly parents with dementia from scam texts by using iPhone Screen Time limits, carrier tools and payment restrictions.
Irish Tech News
· Jun 22, 2026
New research to mark the evolution of mobile shows two in three people use their mobiles to stay connected to loved ones
The top three uses of mobile phones are staying in touch with family and friends (two in three or 66 of people aged 40 and over), social media (54), and banking, budgeting, and managing finances (32), according to new research published by Vodafone Ireland. The research, commissioned among 500 mobile phone users aged 40 and []
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.
The Next Web
· 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
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.
CNET
· Jul 7, 2026
Best Senior Phone Plans of 2026
If you or a senior family member needs phone service, anyone 55 and older can save money with these specific phone plans tailored to their needs.
MovieGuide
· Jul 7, 2026
Make a Smartphone Kid-Friendly With This Simple Apple Feature
Looking for a way to give your child a smartphone, without giving them access to the web? This journalist has an answer.
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.
Sky News Australia
· Jul 9, 2026
‘Pretty archaic’: Calls for the introduction of new ways to contact triple zero
Tech Guide Editor Stephen Fenech calls for new ways to contact triple zero to be introduced following Telstra’s outage. “It seems pretty archaic that the only way you can contact triple zero is through a phone network,” Mr Fenech told Sky News host Jaimee Rogers. “It is 2026; we should be able to text triple zero or contact them through WhatsApp or FaceTime or Messenger. “That way we are covered, so if we’ve lost our cellular connection, at least we’ve got our Wi-Fi, our broadband connection to then facilitate that call.”
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.
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...
BBC News
· Jul 8, 2026
Virgin Media fined after hanging up on customers trying to cancel contracts
Millions of phone calls from customers were likely mishandled over nearly a three-year period, the regulator says.
Engadget
· 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.
The Hindu BusinessLine
· 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
OpIndia
· 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.
TASS
· Jun 23, 2026
Contacts between Lavrov, Rubio to continue — senior Russian diplomat
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov added that telephone conversations between the officials can be quickly arranged
The Japan Times
· Jul 8, 2026
Japan mobile carriers to delay rollout of 060 prefix
In Japan, phone numbers with the existing prefixes of 090, 080 and 070 are running short as the number of mobile phone users continues to increase.
Borneo Bulletin
· Jul 7, 2026
Dad finds high-tech way to call kids home
Dad finds high-tech way to call kids home
Related coverage for "WhatsApp to roll out usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers": TechCrunch — How to reserve and change your WhatsApp username. The Namibian — WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers. Hindustan Times — WhatsApp to let users reserve usernames ahead of feature rollout; phone numbers can stay private. India TV News — WhatsApp is bringing username feature, why has India asked it to pause username rollout? Explained. NDTV — WhatsApp To Let Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers Soon. TechRepublic — Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know. Daily Sabah — WhatsApp to let users connect with usernames instead of phone numbers. Vanguard News — Data privacy: WhatsApp to let users chat without sharing phone numbers. TheJournal.ie — You soon won't need to give someone your phone number to chat on WhatsApp. iPhone in Canada — WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works. 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. Wired — Usernames Are Coming to WhatsApp Soon. Here's How to Reserve Yours. RTÉ News — WhatsApp to allow people chat without using phone numbers. The Meta Newsroom — It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username. OneIndia — WhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety Risks. Entrepreneur.com — WhatsApp Is Finally Giving Its 3 Billion Users a Way to Message Without Sharing Their Phone Number. Brisbane Times — WhatsApp invites users to reserve usernames as it makes major change. Egyptian Gazette — WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot. Inc.com — What Happens When 3 Billion WhatsApp Users Fight Over Usernames? We’re Starting to Find Out. Legit.ng — How to secure your WhatsApp username handle and hide your phone number. Dateline Nigeria — All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames. MakeUseOf — Text-message login codes are going away, and the replacement is already on your phone. The West Australian — WA Police issue warning as Telstra outage disrupts calls to Triple Zero . Fox News — How to stop scam texts from targeting aging parents. Irish Tech News — New research to mark the evolution of mobile shows two in three people use their mobiles to stay connected to loved ones. Latestly.com — How To Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Feature Rolls Out. The Next Web — WhatsApp is finally letting users reserve usernames so they never have to hand over their phone number. Mashable — Reserve your WhatsApp username before its too late. CNET — Best Senior Phone Plans of 2026. MovieGuide — Make a Smartphone Kid-Friendly With This Simple Apple Feature. Digital Trends — WhatsApp clears that usernames won’t leave you open to scammers. Sky News Australia — ‘Pretty archaic’: Calls for the introduction of new ways to contact triple zero. Now Magazine — WhatsApp is getting usernames, so you won’t have to share your phone number: How to claim yours first. South China Morning Post — India orders WhatsApp to halt username feature over anonymity concerns. BBC News — Virgin Media fined after hanging up on customers trying to cancel contracts. Engadget — WhatsApp introduces usernames so you can chat without phone numbers. The Hindu BusinessLine — WhatsApp’s username launch raises questions about impersonation and cyber fraud. OpIndia — WhatsApp announces usernames: How to reserve yours, hide your number and what concerns are being raised; all you need to know. TASS — Contacts between Lavrov, Rubio to continue — senior Russian diplomat. The Japan Times — Japan mobile carriers to delay rollout of 060 prefix . Borneo Bulletin — Dad finds high-tech way to call kids home

Narrative Intelligence Brief
This article was published by The Tribune, a source frequently categorized with a center bias based in India. 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 The Tribune, readers can better contextualize the information presented and compare it across our broader media matrix to find the real narrative.
Discussion
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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."strikes iran"
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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 26%
Center 29%
Right 36%
TechCrunch
· Jul 6, 2026
How to reserve and change your WhatsApp username
WhatsApp now lets users reserve usernames ahead of the feature’s full rollout, making it possible to connect without sharing a phone number once usernames go live.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Vanguard News
· Jun 29, 2026
Data privacy: WhatsApp to let users chat without sharing phone numbers
By Juliet Umeh Meta’s messaging platform, WhatsApp, has unveiled a new feature that will allow users to initiate conversations without revealing their phone numbers, in a move aimed at enhancing privacy and giving users greater control over their personal information. The platform on Monday, June 29, began rolling out username reservations globally ahead of the [] The post Data privacy: WhatsApp to let users chat without sharing phone numbers appeared first on Vanguard News.
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.
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.
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.
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
Wired
· 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.
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.
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.
OneIndia
· 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
Entrepreneur.com
· 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MakeUseOf
· 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
· Jul 7, 2026
WA Police issue warning as Telstra outage disrupts calls to Triple Zero
People trying to call Triple Zero are being affected by a nationwide Telstra outage.
Fox News
· Jun 22, 2026
How to stop scam texts from targeting aging parents
Learn how to protect elderly parents with dementia from scam texts by using iPhone Screen Time limits, carrier tools and payment restrictions.
Irish Tech News
· Jun 22, 2026
New research to mark the evolution of mobile shows two in three people use their mobiles to stay connected to loved ones
The top three uses of mobile phones are staying in touch with family and friends (two in three or 66 of people aged 40 and over), social media (54), and banking, budgeting, and managing finances (32), according to new research published by Vodafone Ireland. The research, commissioned among 500 mobile phone users aged 40 and []
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.
The Next Web
· 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
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.
CNET
· Jul 7, 2026
Best Senior Phone Plans of 2026
If you or a senior family member needs phone service, anyone 55 and older can save money with these specific phone plans tailored to their needs.
MovieGuide
· Jul 7, 2026
Make a Smartphone Kid-Friendly With This Simple Apple Feature
Looking for a way to give your child a smartphone, without giving them access to the web? This journalist has an answer.
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.
Sky News Australia
· Jul 9, 2026
‘Pretty archaic’: Calls for the introduction of new ways to contact triple zero
Tech Guide Editor Stephen Fenech calls for new ways to contact triple zero to be introduced following Telstra’s outage. “It seems pretty archaic that the only way you can contact triple zero is through a phone network,” Mr Fenech told Sky News host Jaimee Rogers. “It is 2026; we should be able to text triple zero or contact them through WhatsApp or FaceTime or Messenger. “That way we are covered, so if we’ve lost our cellular connection, at least we’ve got our Wi-Fi, our broadband connection to then facilitate that call.”
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.
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...
BBC News
· Jul 8, 2026
Virgin Media fined after hanging up on customers trying to cancel contracts
Millions of phone calls from customers were likely mishandled over nearly a three-year period, the regulator says.
Engadget
· 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.
The Hindu BusinessLine
· 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
OpIndia
· 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.
TASS
· Jun 23, 2026
Contacts between Lavrov, Rubio to continue — senior Russian diplomat
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov added that telephone conversations between the officials can be quickly arranged
The Japan Times
· Jul 8, 2026
Japan mobile carriers to delay rollout of 060 prefix
In Japan, phone numbers with the existing prefixes of 090, 080 and 070 are running short as the number of mobile phone users continues to increase.
Borneo Bulletin
· Jul 7, 2026
Dad finds high-tech way to call kids home
Dad finds high-tech way to call kids home
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