WhatsApp to Introduce Usernames, Ending Phone Number Requirement

WhatsApp is set to introduce usernames, allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers. Users can now reserve their preferred handles ahead of the official launch of this new feature.

30 Jun, 01:20 — 30 Jun, 11:21

Post Share

Why this matters

The introduction of usernames marks a significant shift for WhatsApp, traditionally tied to phone numbers, potentially enhancing user privacy and making the platform more competitive with other messaging apps that already offer this feature. It could also impact how users connect and identify each other on the platform.

Key entitiesWhatsApp

The Story

What 6 sources agree on, dispute, and miss

What sources agree on

WhatsApp will introduce a usernames feature
Users will be able to select unique handles
The feature allows users to reserve their desired username before the official launch

Key claims2 agreed · 1 unverified

✓

WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers

agreed·irish-independenthvgPremium Timesexpress-tribune

✓

Users will likely scramble to claim a desirable username

agreed·irish-independenthvg

The username feature is the latest in a series of privacy-focused additions by WhatsApp

unverified·Premium Times

Coverage gaps

The username feature is part of a series of privacy-focused additions by WhatsApp

ReportedPremium Times

Missingirish-independenthvgexpress-tribune

The Story

Analyzing sources…

Source Diversity

Excellent (76/100)

6 sources33/33

Spectrum spread— 3/5 buckets covered17/33

Far L

Left3

Left (3)

index-hrhvgPremium Times

Center1

Center (1)

express-tribune

Right2

Right (2)

berlingskeirish-independent

Far R

Geographic diversity— 6 regions26/34

Denmark1Croatia1Ireland1Hungary1Nigeria1Pakistan1

Political spectrum

LeftCenterRight

hvg

premium-times

express-tribune

irish-independent

Outlet rating This story

SourceOutletiGeneral editorial lean of the outletStoryiHow they covered this specific storyToneFactuality

hvgcenter-leftcenter-lefturgent—straightforward reporting on new feature

Premium Timescentercenter-leftanalyticalMostly Factualemphasizes privacy benefits of new feature

express-tribune

Coverage leans: center-left

The coverage is generally neutral and informative, focusing on the feature's details, with a slight lean towards center-left due to one outlet highlighting privacy enhancements.

Sources

Showing 3 of 6 sources

irish-independent2h ago

WhatsApp to allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers

Catchy online handles are highly coveted and users will likely scramble to claim a desirable one.

By Kelvin Chan

Read full article →

express-tribuneMostly Factual12h ago

WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames

People will be able to pick unique usernames to share with others

By AFP

Read full article →

Premium TimesMostly Factual4h ago

WhatsApp to introduce usernames, allowing users to reserve handles ahead of launch

The username feature is the latest in a series of privacy-focused additions WhatsApp has introduced to enhance user privacy. The post WhatsApp to introduce usernames, allowing users to reserve handles ahead of launch appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

By Omotoyosi Idowu

Read full article →

Coverage Timeline

First report: express-tribune · 30 Jun, 01:20|Full coverage: 6 · 11h|Window: 11h

Left-leaningCenterRight-leaning

express-tribune30 Jun, 01:20First to report

WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames

8h later

Premium Times30 Jun, 09:47

WhatsApp to introduce usernames, allowing users to reserve handles ahead of launch

hvg30 Jun, 10:03

Siessen, mielőtt mások lecsapnak rá: elkezdődött a WhatsApp-felhasználónevek lefoglalása

1h later

irish-independent30 Jun, 11:21

WhatsApp to allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers

index-hr30 Jun, 12:08

Velika promjena na WhatsAppu: Stižu korisnička imena, brojevi vam više neće trebati

berlingske30 Jun, 12:21Latest update

WhatsApp-brugere behøver snart ikke at afsløre deres telefonnummer

Story evolution

Initial AnnouncementJune 30 morning

WhatsApp begins offering the ability to pick unique usernames.

Pre-launch ReservationJune 30 morning

Users can reserve desired handles ahead of the feature's full launch.

User AnticipationJune 30 morning

Expectation of users scrambling to claim desirable usernames.

PERSPECTA

PERSPECTA

WhatsApp to Introduce Usernames, Ending Phone Number Requirement

Why this matters

The Story

What sources agree on

Key claims2 agreed · 1 unverified

Coverage gaps

The Story

Source Diversity

Source Diversity

Political spectrum

Sources

WhatsApp to allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers

WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames

WhatsApp to introduce usernames, allowing users to reserve handles ahead of launch

Coverage Timeline

WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames

WhatsApp to introduce usernames, allowing users to reserve handles ahead of launch

Siessen, mielőtt mások lecsapnak rá: elkezdődött a WhatsApp-felhasználónevek lefoglalása

WhatsApp to allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers

Velika promjena na WhatsAppu: Stižu korisnička imena, brojevi vam više neće trebati

WhatsApp-brugere behøver snart ikke at afsløre deres telefonnummer

Story evolution

Related Stories

Amazon's First Sale Receipt Goes Viral, Drawing Reactions from Bezos and Musk

Nvidia to boost its China robotics team amid emergence of physical AI

NASA robot rescue mission sets sights on a space telescope plummeting to Earth

Trident Digital Tech Positions AI as Primary Growth Engine

PERSPECTA

Why this matters

Story evolution

The Story

What sources agree on

Key claims2 agreed · 1 unverified

Coverage gaps

Political spectrum

Coverage matrix