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  1. Home
  2. /
  3. tech

WhatsApp Rolls Out Username Reservations to Enhance Privacy, Addresses Scam Concerns

Analysed 30 Jun 2026·53 sources analysed·Bangalore, India·tech
WhatsApp Rolls Out Username Reservations to Enhance Privacy, Addresses Scam ConcernsNext

WhatsApp has begun globally rolling out username reservations ahead of a broader launch later this year, allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers. This privacy-focused feature lets users reserve unique usernames to share instead of personal digits, with no public directory or suggestions, requiring exact usernames for contact initiation. An optional username key adds an extra layer of control. While welcomed as a significant privacy upgrade, concerns have been raised about potential impersonation and scams, especially in markets like India, highlighting the need for robust anti-abuse measures.

TBN's observations

First-hand measurement across 15 sources

We measured how 15 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 0%, Centre 100%, Right 0%). Overall sentiment is positive (68/100). Lens Score 30/100 — low public interest.

Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):

  • news18— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • timesnow— balanced framing, positive sentiment
  • news18— balanced framing, positive sentiment
  • opindia— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • hindustantimes— balanced framing, positive sentiment
  • mint— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • mint— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • economictimes— balanced framing, positive sentiment
Political Bias
0%100%0%
Sentiment
68%
AI analysis of 15 sources · Published under editorial oversight by The Balanced News
Analysed 30 Jun 2026· How this analysis is produced· Editorial standards· Corrections

AI Analysis

Political bias across 53 sources
● Left 0%● Center 100%● Right 0%

The article group presents a range of perspectives primarily focused on privacy and security implications of WhatsApp's new username feature. Sources include official company statements emphasizing privacy benefits and user control, alongside voices from entrepreneurs and industry leaders expressing concerns about potential misuse and scams. Coverage balances technological innovation with cautionary viewpoints without favoring any political ideology or party.

Sentiment — Positive (68/100)

The overall sentiment across the articles is mixed but measured. Many sources highlight the positive privacy enhancements and user empowerment offered by the username feature, while others express apprehension about increased risks of impersonation and fraud. The tone remains largely neutral and informative, reflecting both optimism about improved privacy and caution regarding security challenges.

How 15 sources covered this story

Reviewed byAshwin Alsi· Technology Editor· Edited byOjas Kale
Next →
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Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.

SourceTheir headlineBiasSentiment
news18'This Could Be A Disaster': Ankur Warikoo Warns About WhatsApp Update, Dhruv Rathee Slams MetaCenterNeutral
timesnowWhatsApp Is Finally Getting Usernames: Here Are The Best Ones To Claim Before They're GoneCenterPositive
news18WhatsApp brings usernames feature to allow chats without sharing phone numbersCenter

Coverage timeline

thehindu broke this story on 30 Jun, 09:13 am. Other outlets followed.

  1. 1
    thehindu30 Jun, 09:13 am
    What is WhatsApp's new username feature, and how to reserve one for yourself?
  2. 2
    indiatvnews30 Jun, 09:14 am
    What is WhatsApp's new username feature and will it affect user privacy? All you need to know - India TV News
  3. 3
    news1830 Jun, 09:25 am
    WhatsApp to Introduce Usernames, Ending the Need to Share Phone Numbers BREAKING NEWS News18
  4. 4
    oneindia30 Jun, 09:26 am
    WhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety Risks
  5. 5

Lens Score breakdown

30/100
Public interest0/100
Coverage gap90%

Well-covered story — coverage matches public importance.

Who's involved

Institutions and figures named across source coverage.

Corporate
MetaWhatsApp

Story context

Category
Tech
Location
Bangalore, India
Sources analysed
53
Last analysed
30 Jun 2026
Key entities
WhatsAppPrivacyMobile appInstagramFacebookSocial mediaMeta PlatformsBlogIndiaChief executive officerTelegram (messaging service)Confidence trick
Positive
opindiaWhatsApp usernames will hide numbers but may fuel scams; read what they are, how to reserve yours and the concernsCenterNeutral
hindustantimesWhatsApp lets users hide phone numbers with new username featureCenterPositive
mintAnkur Warikoo raises red flag over WhatsApp's username feature: 'This could be a disaster' Today NewsCenterNeutral
mintMint Explainer: How WhatsApp usernames could affect India's SIM-binding plan Today NewsCenterNeutral
economictimesWhatsApp opens username reservations: All you need to knowCenterPositive
indianexpress'Could be a disaster': Ankur Warikoo on new WhatsApp username featureCenterNeutral
economictimesWhatsApp username: Should you use your real name or something else?CenterNeutral
indiatodayWhatsApp gets username feature, internet says it is turning into Telegram: Story in 5 pointsCenterNeutral
oneindiaWhatsApp Turning Into Telegram? Why Username Feature Will Only Increase Scam And Safety RisksCenterNeutral
news18WhatsApp to Introduce Usernames, Ending the Need to Share Phone Numbers BREAKING NEWS News18CenterPositive
indiatvnewsWhat is WhatsApp's new username feature and will it affect user privacy? All you need to know - India TV NewsCenterPositive
thehinduWhat is WhatsApp's new username feature, and how to reserve one for yourself?CenterPositive
indiatoday30 Jun, 09:36 am
WhatsApp gets username feature, internet says it is turning into Telegram: Story in 5 points
  • 6
    economictimes30 Jun, 10:01 am
    WhatsApp username: Should you use your real name or something else?
  • 7
    indianexpress30 Jun, 11:12 am
    'Could be a disaster': Ankur Warikoo on new WhatsApp username feature
  • 8
    economictimes30 Jun, 11:25 am
    WhatsApp opens username reservations: All you need to know
  • 9
    mint30 Jun, 11:42 am
    Mint Explainer: How WhatsApp usernames could affect India's SIM-binding plan Today News
  • 10
    mint30 Jun, 12:05 pm
    Ankur Warikoo raises red flag over WhatsApp's username feature: 'This could be a disaster' Today News
  • WhatsApp Rolls Out Username Reservations to Enhance Privacy, Addresses Scam Concerns