WhatsApp to let people chat without phone numbers
Published Monday, June 29, 2026 · Updated June 30
Narrative Spectrum
- New Feature Announcement & Privacy Focus — 3 sources
Media Analysis
AI synthesisWhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will allow its users to chat using unique usernames instead of phone numbers. This move is presented as a privacy enhancement for its global user base of over three billion people. The feature will be rolled out gradually worldwide in the coming months.
What We Know — Key Points
Key points are extracted by an AI model and may contain errors or omissions. Always check the original sources.- WhatsApp will allow users to chat using unique usernames instead of phone numbers, enhancing user privacy.
- The new username feature will be gradually rolled out worldwide over the coming months.
- WhatsApp is used by more than three billion people globally.
What Is Claimed — Perspectives
- BBC News
The BBC presents a balanced view of WhatsApp's new privacy feature, including both the company's announcement and expert commentary on broader privacy concerns.
- Read original →· Jun 30
- Al Jazeera English
Al Jazeera highlights the global reach of WhatsApp and the privacy implications for its vast user base, particularly outside the US.
- Read original →· Jun 30
- Channel News Asia
Meta-owned WhatsApp is introducing usernames, allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers, a move designed to enhance privacy. This feature will be gradually rolled out worldwide, enabling users to select unique handles.
- Read original →· Jun 30
AI-Generated Content
- This topic was generated by an AI system.
- Key points, perspectives, bias labels, and categorisation may contain errors.
- This is not journalism. Do not rely on this content for critical decisions.
- Read our full AI disclaimer for details.