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 1950, Ma Ying-jeou, Hong Kong-Taiwanese commander and politician, 12th President of the Republic of China was born. In 1960, Curtis Rouse, American football player (died 2013) was born. In 1970, Sheng Shicai, Chinese warlord (born 1895) 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 2017, Liu Xiaobo, Chinese literary critic, human rights activist (born 1955) passed away. In 2020, Zindzi Mandela, South African politician, diplomat, and third daughter of Nelson Mandela (born 1960) 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, Thomas Matthew Crooks, American student, known for attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump (born 2003) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.
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.
Narrative Intelligence Brief
This article was published by MyJoyOnline, a source frequently categorized with a center bias based in Ghana. 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 MyJoyOnline, readers can better contextualize the information presented and compare it across our broader media matrix to find the real narrative.
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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.More Coverage
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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 34%
Center 27%
Right 27%
TechCrunch
· Jun 29, 2026
WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames
WhatsApp username can be between 3 to 35 characters length
Gizmodo
· 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
· 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.
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.
NDTV
· Jul 4, 2026
How to Reserve Your Username on WhatsApp: A Step-By-Step Guide
WhatsApp on Monday announced that it is now allowing users to reserve their usernames on the instant messaging platform, in preparation for the upcoming feature, which will allow you to search for...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Engadget
· Jul 3, 2026
How to claim a WhatsApp username
Get ready to navigate a free-for-all of social media handles.
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.
Irish Mirror
· 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
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.
National Post
· Jul 7, 2026
A former friend who was cruel to me will be at a weekend reunion. How do I handle? | Ask Rebecca
The right thing to do is treat your former friend the way I treat a stranger sitting beside me on a plane. A smile, maybe. Then I put on my headphones
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.
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.
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 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.
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
Mindanao Times
· Jun 25, 2026
Thank You, Next: Why you should break up with your payroll account
EVERYONE has done it: using your first payroll account as your “everything” account because you’ve had it for so long, and opening a new one takes too long. It’s easier
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.
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
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 Hacker News
· 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 Motley Fool
· Jun 25, 2026
We're Just Weeks Away From $50 Monthly GLP-1 Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries. Here's What You Need to Know.
Before you jump at this opportunity, make sure you know what you're signing up for.
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.
Ethereum on Medium
· Jul 6, 2026
Hi Medium, it’s like I know about you from someone
Hello Medium!Continue reading on Medium »
BBC Sport
· Jul 5, 2026
Who am I? Guess World Cup star No 28
Will you get today's player in as few attempts as possible?
The West Australian
· 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.
TwistedSifter
· Jul 8, 2026
A Stranger Called Him “Rafiki” at a Resort Pool and Started Ordering Him Around — He Put Him in His Place Immediately
Maybe confirm first that you're talking to the right person before you start giving orders. The post A Stranger Called Him “Rafiki” at a Resort Pool and Started Ordering Him Around — He Put Him in His Place Immediately appeared first on TwistedSifter.
The i Paper
· 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
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.
Topics:
Related coverage for "Your WhatsApp username is up for grabs – Reserve yours now before someone else takes it": TechCrunch — WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames. Gizmodo — You Need to Claim Your WhatsApp Username Right Now. The Meta Newsroom — It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username. Latestly.com — How To Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Feature Rolls Out. NDTV — How to Reserve Your Username on WhatsApp: A Step-By-Step Guide. 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. Inc.com — What Happens When 3 Billion WhatsApp Users Fight Over Usernames? We’re Starting to Find Out. Digital Trends — How to reserve your WhatsApp username. The Tribune — WhatsApp to roll out usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers. Toronto Sun — WhatsApp to close privacy loophole by allowing usernames. Mashable — Reserve your WhatsApp username before its too late. TechRepublic — Meta Adds WhatsApp Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know. Vanguard News — WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames. Now Magazine — WhatsApp is getting usernames, so you won’t have to share your phone number: How to claim yours first. The Next Web — WhatsApp is finally letting users reserve usernames so they never have to hand over their phone number. Engadget — How to claim a WhatsApp username. Egyptian Gazette — WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot. Irish Mirror — Gardaí issue warning over sophisticated text message scam targeting bank accounts. Entrepreneur.com — WhatsApp Is Finally Giving Its 3 Billion Users a Way to Message Without Sharing Their Phone Number. National Post — A former friend who was cruel to me will be at a weekend reunion. How do I handle? | Ask Rebecca. Dateline Nigeria — All you need to know about WhatsApp usernames. Brisbane Times — WhatsApp invites users to reserve usernames as it makes major change. Borneo Bulletin — India asks Meta to hold WhatsApp username rollout over fraud fears. The Namibian — WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers. OneIndia — WhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety Risks. Mindanao Times — Thank You, Next: Why you should break up with your payroll account . Upworthy — Man who was mistakenly added to a group chat shares the moment he knew they’d be lifelong friends. The Hindu BusinessLine — WhatsApp’s username launch raises questions about impersonation and cyber fraud. Daily Sabah — WhatsApp to let users connect with usernames instead of phone numbers. The Hacker News — WhatsApp is Finally Getting Usernames to Help Keep Phone Numbers Private. The Motley Fool — We're Just Weeks Away From $50 Monthly GLP-1 Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries. Here's What You Need to Know.. TheJournal.ie — You soon won't need to give someone your phone number to chat on WhatsApp. Ethereum on Medium — Hi Medium, it’s like I know about you from someone. BBC Sport — Who am I? Guess World Cup star No 28. The West Australian — Scam victim reveals devastating moment entire life savings disappear in 10-minute phone call with scammer. TwistedSifter — A Stranger Called Him “Rafiki” at a Resort Pool and Started Ordering Him Around — He Put Him in His Place Immediately. The i Paper — How new First Time Buy ISA will work – and what it means for Lifetime ISA holders. 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