What's up with Google colleting phone numbers?
 

Google just asked me to verify my account when I wanted to log into Youtube.
This has happened twice in the last weeks.
Must be connected to me clearing the browser's cookies.

Why would they need my phone number? They are going to get their ass kicked here in Germany if they store this number and/or use it for marketing.
What happens if I am asked to verify my phone number with other Google accounts that I have?

So they can track you 24/7.

Don't know why they think it is a good way to check someone is real as i've got several disposable numbers that were free and aren't linked to anybody.

Their excuse is "to help fight spam", although I've never had it ask when logging in, just when making new accounts.

Same here. I don't think Google has ever asked for a phone number when I specified an alternate email account when signing up. If that's not a mere coincidence then you might be able to circumvent it in this way.

It's just another small step on their way to world domination.

Nothing to worry about.

I have had this happen often lately when setting up gmail addys. I have a sort of "phone number drop"; a phone # that I really don't use much for anything and simply enter that # when asked. Done up 40-50 gmails with the same # and it always seems to work. I have also found that if I close all my browsers and clear cookies, etc, then go back to gmail, it sometimes does not ask for a phone #. I also never use an alternate email, which indeed may have something to do with it.

Fucking Google, anyway!

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