Today in News 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 1907, George Weller, American author, playwright, and journalist (died 2002) was born. In 1973, Watergate scandal: Alexander Butterfield reveals the existence of a secret Oval Office taping system to investigators for the Senate Watergate Committee. In 1977, New York City: Amidst a period of financial and social turmoil experiences an electrical blackout lasting nearly 24 hours that leads to widespread fires and looting. In 1997, Josh Hines-Allen, American football player was born. In 2011, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1999 is adopted, which admits South Sudan to member status of United Nations. In 2016, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron resigns, and is succeeded by Theresa May. 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, Thomas Matthew Crooks, American student, known for attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump (born 2003) passed away. 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 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.
Narrative Intelligence Brief
This article was published by Egyptian Gazette, a source frequently categorized with a lean right bias based in Egypt. 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 Egyptian Gazette, readers can better contextualize the information presented and compare it across our broader media matrix to find the real narrative.
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Analysis Methodology
This narrative analysis was generated using the CoDataLab Global Intelligence Engine. Our proprietary AI scans thousands of cross-border sources to identify sentiment patterns, framing techniques, and potential media bias. While AI provides the data-driven foundation, our objective is to empower readers with additional context beyond the standard headline.The content displayed above is a structured summary designed for rapid information processing. For the full original report, please visit the source outlet.More Coverage
Discussion
How other outlets are covering this story
Compare narratives across 38 related reports from 38 sources. Real Narrative News aggregates the coverage spectrum so you can see who emphasises what — bias tags reflect the outlet, not the story.
Coverage bias distribution
38 sources
Left 29%
Center 32%
Right 29%
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.
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.
Vanguard News
· 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
· 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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CNET
· Jun 30, 2026
WhatsApp Lets You Reserve a Username, Making Your Phone Number More Private
Once WhatsApp's username feature is launched, you'll be able to protect the privacy of your phone number for new contacts.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Russia Today
· Jul 2, 2026
India raises security concerns over new WhatsApp feature
India has raised concerns over WhatsApp usernames, while Meta says it has built guardrails against username abuse Read Full Article at RT.com
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 Eastern Herald
· Jul 3, 2026
India Targets Encrypted Messengers by Feature: MeitY Sends Notices to Telegram and Signal
India's MeitY sent notices to Telegram and Signal asking them to justify their username features amid fraud concerns. The action, a day after WhatsApp was told to pause its own username rollout, marks India's shift from app bans to feature-by-feature scrutiny of messaging platforms.
BOL News
· Jun 27, 2026
Have you been blocked? WhatsApp may have a hidden clue
End-to-end encryption verification system may show unusual behavior in blocked chats. The post Have you been blocked? WhatsApp may have a hidden clue appeared first on BOL News.
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
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 6, 2026
Banks accused of failing most vulnerable customers
Homeless people or those in financial hardship have been pushed to online applications and away from basic bank accounts.
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 []
The Economic Times
· Jul 1, 2026
Worries arise over gaming of WhatsApp usernames
Worries arise over gaming of WhatsApp usernames
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.
Topics:
Related coverage for "WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot": Brisbane Times — WhatsApp invites users to reserve usernames as it makes major change. TechCrunch — How to reserve and change your WhatsApp username. Vanguard News — WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames. TechRepublic — Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know. Hindustan Times — WhatsApp to let users reserve usernames ahead of feature rollout; phone numbers can stay private. Daily Sabah — WhatsApp to let users connect with usernames instead of phone numbers. NDTV — WhatsApp To Let Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers Soon. MyJoyOnline — Your WhatsApp username is up for grabs – Reserve yours now before someone else takes it. TheJournal.ie — You soon won't need to give someone your phone number to chat on WhatsApp. The Namibian — WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers. iPhone in Canada — WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works. CNET — WhatsApp Lets You Reserve a Username, Making Your Phone Number More Private. Wired — Usernames Are Coming to WhatsApp Soon. Here's How to Reserve Yours. 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. RTÉ News — WhatsApp to allow people chat without using phone numbers. Legit.ng — How to secure your WhatsApp username handle and hide your phone number. Digital Trends — WhatsApp clears that usernames won’t leave you open to scammers. 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. 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. Russia Today — India raises security concerns over new WhatsApp feature. Entrepreneur.com — WhatsApp Is Finally Giving Its 3 Billion Users a Way to Message Without Sharing Their Phone Number. The Hindu BusinessLine — WhatsApp’s username launch raises questions about impersonation and cyber fraud. Dateline Nigeria — All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames. The West Australian — WA Police issue warning as Telstra outage disrupts calls to Triple Zero . Mashable — Reserve your WhatsApp username before its too late. MakeUseOf — Text-message login codes are going away, and the replacement is already on your phone. The Eastern Herald — India Targets Encrypted Messengers by Feature: MeitY Sends Notices to Telegram and Signal. BOL News — Have you been blocked? WhatsApp may have a hidden clue. The Next Web — WhatsApp is finally letting users reserve usernames so they never have to hand over their phone number. 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 — Banks accused of failing most vulnerable customers. 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. The Economic Times — Worries arise over gaming of WhatsApp usernames . Engadget — WhatsApp introduces usernames so you can chat without phone numbers

