You are correct… Official narrative is that it helps reduce spam and bits which could be a reason… But phone numbers linked to real ID allows spooks to maintain their surveillance regime. They get the relationship maps, if they deem you a threat, they will use Israeli spyware to breach your device and get the content
Finessing the terms does not stop them demanding a phone number.
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Clearly, they do care about the phone number.
You are correct… Official narrative is that it helps reduce spam and bits which could be a reason… But phone numbers linked to real ID allows spooks to maintain their surveillance regime. They get the relationship maps, if they deem you a threat, they will use Israeli spyware to breach your device and get the content
They are right. Terminology is important in this discussion.