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Ask HN: Is it possible to sign up for a Google account without Gmail and phone?

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Ask HN: Is it possible to sign up for a Google account without Gmail and phone?

#1

Post by throw_throw »

Normally you can sign up for a Google account using your own (non-Gmail email address) here:

https://accounts.google.com/SignUpWithoutGmail?hl=en

But of late, the reCAPTCHA has been replaced with a phone number requirement.

Is there no way to remain anonymous with Google now?

Re: Ask HN: Is it possible to sign up for a Google account without Gmail and phone?

#4

Post by peter_tonoli »

smt88 wrote: post #2

Your phone number is anonymous. In the US, you can go to a store, buy a $40 prepaid phone with cash, and use Google anonymously.

Other jurisdictions, such as Australia, require identity checks http://acma.gov.au/Citizen/Phones/Mobile/Prepaid-mobiles/new...

Re: Ask HN: Is it possible to sign up for a Google account without Gmail and phone?

#5

Post by smt88 »

peter_tonoli wrote: post #4
smt88 wrote: post #2

Your phone number is anonymous. In the US, you can go to a store, buy a $40 prepaid phone with cash, and use Google anonymously.

Other jurisdictions, such as Australia, require identity checks http://acma.gov.au/Citizen/Phones/Mobile/Prepaid-mobiles/new...

Burner[1] (or similar services) might be an option for people in such jurisdictions.

1. https://www.burnerapp.com/blog/2015/3/26/burner-is-now-avail...

Re: Ask HN: Is it possible to sign up for a Google account without Gmail and phone?

#6

Post by throw_throw »

bsvalley wrote: post #3

:) Leave the phone number field empty and click "Next Step". It's an optional field, they just trick people to collect phone numbers.

Clicking Next Step then asks you to enter a phone number to either receive a call or text message for verification.

Re: Ask HN: Is it possible to sign up for a Google account without Gmail and phone?

#7

Post by whyagaindavid »

Why are u so worried? 1. Sim card location? Google can get an approximate location from your IP, WiFi like Starbucks. 2. If u are so paranoid you need a different service!

Buy a sim card activate; enable 2FA with authenticator. Destroy sim. I am not sure google can ASK operator for name and SSN.

Re: Ask HN: Is it possible to sign up for a Google account without Gmail and phone?

#8

Post by samblr »

throw_throw wrote: post #6
bsvalley wrote: post #3

:) Leave the phone number field empty and click "Next Step". It's an optional field, they just trick people to collect phone numbers.

Clicking Next Step then asks you to enter a phone number to either receive a call or text message for verification.

One of trending 'dirty' trick while signup is multiple social account signup. Signup form shows social singup like linkedin or facebook. User chooses one, say linkedin, you think it almost signedup. Then application would say something like - we 've stopped linkedin sign up - use facebook instead. You are left no choice to use facebook. But if you look closely, they use both social account graphs to learn MUCH more about you. Latest big name I came across doing this is slideshare!

Re: Ask HN: Is it possible to sign up for a Google account without Gmail and phone?

#9

Post by ktta »

smt88 wrote: post #5
peter_tonoli wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Other jurisdictions, such as Australia, require identity checks http://acma.gov.au/Citizen/Phones/Mobile/Prepaid-mobiles/new...

Burner[1] (or similar services) might be an option for people in such jurisdictions. 1. https://www.burnerapp.com/blog/2015/3/26/burner-is-now-avail...

Google often just shows up a 'This number cannot be used for verification' message.
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