WhatsApp Introduces Optional Username Feature to Enhance User Privacy
1 hour agoTech
30LENS
2 Sources
TBNthebalanced.news

WhatsApp Introduces Optional Username Feature to Enhance User Privacy

WhatsApp is introducing an optional username feature allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers, enhancing privacy. Currently in testing with select Android and iPhone users, the feature is expected to be widely available by 2026. Usernames must be unique, 3 to 35 characters long, and follow specific formatting rules to reduce spam. Accounts remain linked to phone numbers for login and security, and users can change usernames without affecting chats or account details.

Political Bias
0%100%0%
Sentiment
75%
AI analysis of 2 sources · Published under editorial oversight by The Balanced News
Analysed 25 May 2026· How this analysis is produced· Editorial standards· Corrections

AI Analysis

Political bias across 2 sources
● Left 0%● Center 100%● Right 0%

The articles focus on a technology update from WhatsApp without political framing. Both sources present the feature as a privacy enhancement and user convenience, reflecting a neutral, product-focused perspective. There is no evident political bias or partisan viewpoint in the coverage.

Sentiment — Positive (75/100)

The tone across the articles is generally positive and informative, highlighting the benefits of the new username feature for privacy and user control. The coverage is straightforward, emphasizing practical details without criticism or controversy, resulting in a neutral to mildly positive sentiment.

How 2 sources covered this story

Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.

SourceTheir headlineBiasSentiment
englishWhatsApp Now Lets You Use A Username: Here's How To Get Yours Before It's TakenCenterPositive
indiatvnewsWhatsApp brings new username feature to hide your contact number: Details here - India TV NewsCenterPositive

Coverage timeline

indiatvnews broke this story on 25 May, 08:32 am. Other outlets followed.

  1. 1
    indiatvnews25 May, 08:32 am
    WhatsApp brings new username feature to hide your contact number: Details here - India TV News
  2. 2
    english25 May, 09:28 am
    WhatsApp Now Lets You Use A Username: Here's How To Get Yours Before It's Taken

Lens Score breakdown

30/100
Public interest0/100
Coverage gap100%

Well-covered story — coverage matches public importance.

Who's involved

Institutions and figures named across source coverage.

Corporate
WhatsApp

Story context

Category
Tech
Sources analysed
2
Last analysed
25 May 2026
Key entities
WhatsAppTelegram (messaging service)InstagramPrivacyAndroid (operating system)IPhoneSpammingMobile appJioBharti AirtelIndian rupeeLogin