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Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook

#61

Post by techsupporter »

Casseres wrote: post #34
saryant wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This conspiracy theory makes no sense. Why on earth would your bank need identify you by phone number when you already have to give them your social security number to open the account?

> you already have to give them your social security number to open the account FYI, no you do not have to. > You are not required to have a social security number to open a checking or savings account. Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-i-get-a-checkin...

I am very curious to know of a bank or credit union that will open an account without a social security number.

Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook

#62

Post by mcny »

The following is very YMMV. I anal and I'm not a Google employee (would love to be though!).

For those in the US, the approach I've taken is to create a Google Voice number. Yes, you need to give it your existing phone number. Then, you can give this number as a backup but the key is to use a two step authentication app like Google authenticator or authy. This is key because like any sane system, two step by SMS has rate limits in place. I don't know the details but it seems like rate limits apply even when an SMS never leaves Google (the SMS originates at Google and ends on your Google voice with no forwarding).

Long story short, if you want to fix your problem, try to get two step authentication using an app for your account(s). I think that should do it.

Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook

#63

Post by johnchristopher »

mavhc wrote: post #53
mverwijs wrote: post #51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Parentpost is talking about a different market group. You are talking about chromebooks provided by schools to students. Parent is talking about chromebooks _bought_ by students (because they're cheap and functional).

Fair enough. I'd just pick up a random sim card at any supermarket, comes with a free phone number.

They closed that loophole in Europe after the terrorist attacks of recent years. You can't buy pre-paid SIM cards without giving an ID anymore.

Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook

#64

Post by solarengineer »

mavhc wrote: post #49
hguhghuff wrote: post #42

I’ve had chrome books as a possible purchase. That’s finished now. I want my machine to be my machine. Google can F off.

If you wanted that why would you ever consider a Chromebook in the first place?

I am/was considering a Chromebook because of the lower price and the opportunity to run Linux on it

Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook

#66

Post by Symbiote »

johnchristopher wrote: post #63
mavhc wrote: post #53

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Fair enough. I'd just pick up a random sim card at any supermarket, comes with a free phone number.

They closed that loophole in Europe after the terrorist attacks of recent years. You can't buy pre-paid SIM cards without giving an ID anymore.

Please don't generalize about Europe unless you're certain the statement is true.

You can buy a SIM card in a vending machine in at least airports in Denmark and the UK.

Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook

#68

Post by CaptainZapp »

mavhc wrote: post #53
mverwijs wrote: post #51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Parentpost is talking about a different market group. You are talking about chromebooks provided by schools to students. Parent is talking about chromebooks _bought_ by students (because they're cheap and functional).

Fair enough. I'd just pick up a random sim card at any supermarket, comes with a free phone number.

I don't want to spend money. Not even a few quid, because a scummy company suddenly doesn't let me access my device, which I "own" for years without surrendering even more personal information.

That's apart from what other posters explained. That in a lot of countries you can't just get a sim from a kiosk, or a vending machine without proper identification.

Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook

#69

Post by pisky »

EspadaV9 wrote: post #50

It could be that your account was hacked and the hacker has enabled 2FA on your account using their phone number.

Hi, op here. They're asking me for any phone number, not for one tied to the account (there is none). I've confirmed this by comparing with the message a friend sees with two factor authentication turned on.

Some people are posting here saying they got in using a stranger's number so I still don't understand how providing a number proves who I am.

Re: Tell HN: Google requiring phone number to log into Chromebook

#70

Post by greenhatman »

cm2187 wrote: post #37
emerongi wrote: post #6

They've essentially bricked your machine and are demanding your phone number to un-brick it? Sounds like a case for a legal battle.

Sonos just did the same. They want you to create an account (and therefore give them an email) and otherwise are effectively bricking the device in the latest update. Was time to get rid of this pos.

Doesn't Apple do that too?

One of the reasons I use Linux on my MacBook.

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