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Today Google is almost everywhere, and it’s quite difficult not to use Google. With registered Google account, you can:
- watch YouTube and get personalized recommendations;
- utilize Google Disc for storing photo, video, text documents, tables, presentations, etc.;
- use document management systems like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides;
- download various applications in Google Play, rank them, ask questions, and publish reviews;
- create Google forms;
- use the Google Assistant voice assistant;
- receive and send emails via Gmail, and much more.
However, it’s no secret that, along with other corporations, Google ranks first in terms of user data collection. The truth is that only Meta can compete with them. High chances are that Google uses the collected data for a variety of purposes. The most obvious and harmless is that, based on that data, it selects relevant targeted ads for each user. That’s why so many people wonder how to create an anonymous Google account.
In this article, we’ll talk about privacy and data security when signing up for Google, why the company asks for a phone number, and how to skip phone number verification on Google.
Why Google requires a phone number to verify an account
Google LLC. was one of the first to introduce two-factor authentication when creating an account. With this additional measure, the company has made an attempt to improve user data protection. Since then, to register Google account, a user must confirm account creation by applying the verification code from the SMS message. It’s to receive the verification code that you need a phone number.
In this way, Google filters fake users, scammers, and spammers. Additionally, phone number verification will help you with account recovery in case you have forgotten the password. Thus, today it’s impossible to create Google account without phone number. However, even if you don’t want to disclose your private phone number, this doesn’t mean that you need to completely abandon Google services. After all, there are options to use Google services anonymously.
We believe that you shouldn’t leave Google, at least because:
- Gmail remains one of the most convenient and secure email clients both for private users and companies.
- YouTube is a video hosting site with a huge amount of original high-quality content, which has no analogues in terms of scale and functionality in the world yet.
Let’s see if Google can be trusted in the matter of data security, how it protects user data, what encryption protocols it uses, and whether there are any vulnerabilities in the system.
Privacy and Data Security on Google
In this section of the article, we’ll not talk about all the measures that Google takes to ensure security of user data, but only about some of the services. Just to make sure that creating an anonymous Google account still makes sense rather than refusing Google at all.
1. Gmail
It’s believed to be one of the most secure email clients for companies and corporate clients, and for good reason.
For example, Gmail allows you to send “secure” emails using the S/MIME encryption protocol. It’s important to make sure that both the sender and the recipient have set appropriate settings, because Gmail automatically chooses the level of encryption between recipients. If the encryption levels of the sender and the recipient are different, then the weakest of them will be used.
Gmail uses industry-standard TLS encryption between the client and the server to provide privacy and protection from eavesdropping incidents.
In addition, Gmail, like other products of Google LLC, uses the Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) and RSA-2048 algorithm. They are designed to protect data when interacting with other services. The service also uses the secure HTTPS protocol.
2. Google Play
For using Google Play, you also need to register Google account.
Apps on Google Play are also known to collect user data. What’s more, they can share it at their own discretion. In February 2022, Google announced the introduction of a new security feature. Users can now see what specific data each application collects, and thus be more wise and thoughtful when downloading any of them.
3. YouTube
As YouTube’s official page says, the service doesn’t sell any user data. They only use the collected information for making service more helpful and convenient for users. For instance, thanks to this, the platform’s algorithms select more accurate recommendations and search results, as well as display useful ads. And ads, in turn, is a guarantee of a free service.
In addition, in the “Your data in YouTube” section, each user can set individual privacy settings.
Therefore, on the surface, everything looks good about Google safeguarding user data. However, if you dig deeper, despite the measures taken to ensure the security of user data, there are known vulnerabilities in Google services (including Gmail) that allow phishing attacks. (Not to mention what the company doesn’t tell its users about).
How can I create a Google account anonymously without a phone number?
If for some reason you want to create an anonymous Google account or you need several accounts at once, one of the safest and most convenient options is to get a virtual phone number. You can buy or rent it with the help of our service for price from 0,05 USD. If you are looking for a confirmation code option, you can purchase a one-time virtual phone number. If you want to use it more than once, we recommend you to rent it: you will have it for up to 3 months.
Virtual telephony is not only a very cheap alternative to regular SIM cards, but it also protects your personal data. With the SMS-man platform you can get a virtual phone number which can be used to register with over 1000 different services.
Detailed instructions on how to get a virtual phone number for Google registration:
- Sign up at sms-man.com using your email address or log in using your social media profiles (the latter option is faster).
- Select the appropriate payment method on the appropriate tab and refill the account.
- Go back to the main page, choose the country of the mobile operator and “Google/YouTube/Gmail” service.
- Click on the “Buy” button to add the service in the “History” section.
- Copy the received phone number and start registering the Google account.
- When the system sends you a verification code, go back to SMS-man to get it.
- Enter the code you received to finish the registration.