2 reports · 2 sources · tracked since 4h ago

WhatsApp is Finally Getting Usernames to Help Keep Phone Numbers Private

AI synthesis WhatsApp rolls out optional usernames, allowing users to hide their phone numbers when connecting with others on the platform.

Why this ranks Transparent score: 14

coverage +6 source breadth +4 urgency +0 freshness +4

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The Hacker News Jun 29, 2026, 4:09 PM UTC First observed

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 usern...
BleepingComputer Jun 29, 2026, 5:48 PM UTC Coverage expanded

WhatsApp rolls out usernames to help users hide their phone number ↗

WhatsApp is finally allowing users to reserve usernames, a privacy feature that lets them hide their phone numbers from people not in their contact list. [...]