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WhatsApp Launches Unique Usernames to Enhance Privacy and Social Features

How 10 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

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First reported by Ynet · 15 hours ago

What happened

WhatsApp has launched unique usernames allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers, enhancing privacy and social networking features. The feature includes security measures to prevent unwanted contacts and supports brand consistency for businesses. This marks a major step in WhatsApp’s transition into a social platform.

01WhatsApp introduces unique usernames to enable contact without sharing phone numbers.
02Users can reserve preferred usernames before full rollout begins.
03Businesses can link usernames to Facebook or Instagram for brand consistency.
04New contacts must enter a unique key to message users via username first time.
05Feature supports WhatsApp’s evolution into a social network with public profiles.
06Rollout is gradual, with username reservation available now in settings.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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Amnon Shashua