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 1930, The inaugural FIFA World Cup begins in Uruguay. In 1948, Tony Kornheiser, American television sports talk show host and former sportswriter was born. In 1961, Tim Watson, Australian footballer, coach, and journalist was born. In 1970, Sheng Shicai, Chinese warlord (born 1895) passed away. In 1976, Sheldon Souray, Canadian ice hockey player was born. In 1977, Chris Horn, American football player was born. 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, Chino Trinidad, Filipino sports journalist and executive (born 1967) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.
You Need to Claim Your WhatsApp Username Right Now

10 years from now, you're going to regret not parking that username.
Narrative Intelligence Brief
This article was published by Gizmodo, a source frequently categorized with a left 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 Gizmodo, readers can better contextualize the information presented and compare it across our broader media matrix to find the real narrative.
More from Gizmodo
July 13, 2026
‘Moana’ and ‘Evil Dead Burn’ Share a Weak Opening Weekend
July 13, 2026
That Thing You’ve Heard About Baby Rattlesnakes? It’s Wrong
July 13, 2026
Ariana Grande Exits ‘American Horror Story’
July 13, 2026
Roborock Saros 20 Review: Jack of All Trades, Master of Most
July 13, 2026
The Government Wants to Turn Abandoned Oil Rigs Into Rocket Launch Pads
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
"cup"
How other outlets are covering this story
Compare narratives across 39 related reports from 39 sources. Real Narrative News aggregates the coverage spectrum so you can see who emphasises what — bias tags reflect the outlet, not the story.
Coverage bias distribution
39 sources
Left 28%
Center 31%
Right 31%
TechCrunch
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames
WhatsApp username can be between 3 to 35 characters length
Engadget
· Jul 3, 2026
How to claim a WhatsApp username
Get ready to navigate a free-for-all of social media handles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Tribune
· 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 Economic Times
· Jun 23, 2026
The scam in your boss's WhatsApp explained
The scam in your boss's WhatsApp explained
Digital Trends
· 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.
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.
Upworthy
· Jul 8, 2026
Man who was mistakenly added to a group chat shares the moment he knew they’d be lifelong friends
Now I know some pretty dope people. The post Man who was mistakenly added to a group chat shares the moment he knew they’d be lifelong friends appeared first on Upworthy.
India Today
· 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
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.
Borneo Bulletin
· 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
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
Legit.ng
· Jul 3, 2026
Read the screenshot text loan app allegedly sent to a man's friend after repayment deadline passed
A social media user has shared a disturbing message his friend received from a loan application, just one day before the repayment deadline of the money he took.
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.
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...
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
Business Today
· Jun 30, 2026
'This could be a disaster': Ankur Warikoo flags scam risk in WhatsApp's new username feature
According to WhatsApp, reserving a username takes only a few seconds.
The Motley Fool
· Jul 8, 2026
This Might Be the Biggest IRA Mistake You Make
Don't let it happen to you.
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.
Toronto Sun
· 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
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.
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
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.
Reclaim the Net
· Jun 30, 2026
Discord’s New Face-Scan Vendor Comes with a Familiar Promise
The service that once asked for nothing but a username now wants your face and your government ID. The post Discord’s New Face-Scan Vendor Comes with a Familiar Promise appeared first on Reclaim The Net: Free Speech, Privacy, Digital Rights.
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.
Slate Magazine
· Jun 25, 2026
I Put a Do Not Disturb Sign on My Office Door. What My Colleague Did Next Is a Violation.
I'm furious.
Topics:
Related coverage for "You Need to Claim Your WhatsApp Username Right Now": TechCrunch — WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames. 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. iPhone in Canada — WhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here’s How It Works. The Meta Newsroom — It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username. Dateline Nigeria — All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames. CNET — WhatsApp Lets You Reserve a Username, Making Your Phone Number More Private. The Tribune — WhatsApp to roll out usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers. Wired — Usernames Are Coming to WhatsApp Soon. Here's How to Reserve Yours. MakeUseOf — Text-message login codes are going away, and the replacement is already on your phone. Vanguard News — WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames. India TV News — WhatsApp is bringing username feature, why has India asked it to pause username rollout? Explained. The Eastern Herald — India Targets Encrypted Messengers by Feature: MeitY Sends Notices to Telegram and Signal. TechRepublic — Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know. National Post — New privacy roll-out means Whatsapp users won’t have to share their phone numbers. Hindustan Times — WhatsApp to let users reserve usernames ahead of feature rollout; phone numbers can stay private. Latestly.com — How To Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Feature Rolls Out. The Economic Times — The scam in your boss's WhatsApp explained . Digital Trends — How to reserve your WhatsApp username. The Namibian — WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers. Upworthy — Man who was mistakenly added to a group chat shares the moment he knew they’d be lifelong friends. India Today — Wedding jo hone nahi wali: Siya Goyal's Snapchat text to friend goes viral. TheJournal.ie — You soon won't need to give someone your phone number to chat on WhatsApp. Borneo Bulletin — India asks Meta to hold WhatsApp username rollout over fraud fears. The Hindu BusinessLine — WhatsApp’s username launch raises questions about impersonation and cyber fraud. Legit.ng — Read the screenshot text loan app allegedly sent to a man's friend after repayment deadline passed. MyJoyOnline — Your WhatsApp username is up for grabs – Reserve yours now before someone else takes it. Daily Sabah — WhatsApp to let users connect with usernames instead of phone numbers. The Next Web — WhatsApp is finally letting users reserve usernames so they never have to hand over their phone number. Business Today — 'This could be a disaster': Ankur Warikoo flags scam risk in WhatsApp's new username feature. The Motley Fool — This Might Be the Biggest IRA Mistake You Make. Mashable — Reserve your WhatsApp username before its too late. Toronto Sun — WhatsApp to close privacy loophole by allowing usernames. RTÉ News — WhatsApp to allow people chat without using phone numbers. OneIndia — WhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety Risks. Egyptian Gazette — WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot. Reclaim the Net — Discord’s New Face-Scan Vendor Comes with a Familiar Promise. NDTV — WhatsApp To Let Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers Soon. Slate Magazine — I Put a Do Not Disturb Sign on My Office Door. What My Colleague Did Next Is a Violation.


