Numerous email service providers offer accounts without mandating telephone number verification during the registration process. These services primarily rely on alternative methods, such as CAPTCHAs, security questions, or recovery email addresses, to ensure user legitimacy and account security. An example includes ProtonMail, an end-to-end encrypted email service, which focuses on privacy and does not require a phone number for account creation.
The availability of email accounts that bypass telephone number verification is significant for several reasons. It addresses privacy concerns for individuals who prefer not to share personal information or may lack access to a mobile device. Historically, the gradual increase in mandatory phone number verification has raised concerns about data collection and potential misuse. Therefore, services offering alternatives provide a valuable option for users prioritizing anonymity.