Phone Number Requirements

Users debate the necessity of providing phone numbers for service sign-ups, with many objecting due to privacy invasion and spam risks, while others defend it for fraud prevention and spam control.

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5,984
Comments
20
Years Active
5
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#4061
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

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Keywords

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Sample Comments

smabie Feb 1, 2024 View on HN

Do you also nope out on other services (bank accounts, uber, etc) thst require a phone number? Somewhat genuinely curious because I don't understand what the issue is with giving your phone number?

stavros Aug 19, 2025 View on HN

Some of the reason might be that you don't need to share your phone number for it.

TurkishPoptart Dec 1, 2022 View on HN

I would like to use this, but I find it weird that it requires a phone number to use.

hippich Nov 8, 2021 View on HN

Last time I tried them, they still required phone number? If it is still the case, they did compromise on the users privacy.

Elksnis Sep 9, 2018 View on HN

What's wrong with giving away phone number?

baybal2 Apr 9, 2020 View on HN

It's not a tradeoff, it's a weakness by design. All features you mention are 100% doable without a phone number

howolduis Jun 9, 2021 View on HN

it forces you to provide a phone number to use it. I'm out... too invasive

cassac Sep 29, 2022 View on HN

Tell me when it stops requiring a phone number.

glatisaint May 29, 2022 View on HN

They want a phone number to make sure you're not a spammer taking over the account.

colordrops Sep 16, 2021 View on HN

Why not just allow people to register without a phone number?