Tech · Full coverage
WhatsApp Introduces Username Feature to Hide Phone Numbers Globally
How 6 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
80% center
Center 4Right 1Unrated 1
First reported by Mako · 2 hours ago
What happened
WhatsApp is launching a global feature enabling users to chat via unique usernames without revealing phone numbers, starting Monday. The update is optional and aims to improve privacy, though experts warn WhatsApp still collects significant user data. Phone numbers remain necessary for account creation.
- 01WhatsApp enables chatting via usernames without sharing phone numbers globally.
- 02Users can reserve, change, or remove usernames anytime; feature is optional.
- 03Usernames capped at 35 characters; public figures’ names are reserved.
- 04No public username directory; phone numbers still required for accounts.
- 05Experts warn WhatsApp still collects extensive data despite privacy claims.
- 06Signal introduced a similar username feature earlier in 2024.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 6 outlets
The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.
Now 14Right · Hebrew29 minutes ago
WhatsApp Introduces Username Feature to Hide Phone Numbers Globally
CalcalistUnrated · Hebrew1 hour ago
WhatsApp Introduces Usernames to Replace Phone Numbers for Account Sharing
Related stories
WhatsApp to warn users before opening chats with unknown numbers5 days agoWhatsApp Adds New Safeguards Against Account Takeovers and Stranger Scams5 days agoWhatsApp Adds Dual Accounts Support for iPhone UsersJun 14, 2026Good news for users: WhatsApp makes a rule changing moveJun 8, 2026WhatsApp Closes Encryption Verification Loophole Used to Detect User Blocks16 hours agoWhatsApp adds private contact mentions to text status updates5 days ago