You must have a Phone Number now to Open a Google or Yahoo EMail ID

Shocked? But it’s true. Yes, if you wanna open a new email id in Gmail or Yahoo mail, then henceforth you must have a valid phone number for that. This decision has been put into force by the both these two largest Internet hubs of the world. Of course, it might seem bit peculiar to crores of internet users who are blind fans of Gmail & Yahoo. But this is a measure introduced by the two giants to prevent spammers who try to create multiple and fake email ids, sources ensured. While the Indian internet users database crosses 90 crore as per a survey made in 2013, only 55.48 crore is the substantial number having valid phone numbers. We hope, this is the major cause why these two leading brands have taken such decisions.

However, the matter also has been clarified by the spokespersons of the two companies. As per the Google Spokesperson while this feature was already available in the email section beforehand, but it’s optional and users trying to create a mail id after repeatedly ignoring the mobile number option was banned from making mail ids. But now the system has become compulsory and any new user who is interested to create a new mail id in Gmail must have a valid telephone or mobile number.

The issue was also clarified in the Gmail website as an attempt to check spammers. “In an effort to protect our users from abuse, we sometimes ask users to prove they’re not a robot before they’re able to create or sign in to accounts. Having this additional confirmation via phone is an effective way to keep spammers from abusing our systems,” the website wrote. Apart, Google has also limited the number of mail ids a person can create on a valid phone number, but has not clarified anything on that end.

On the other hand, the Yahoo spokesperson took the matter seriously telling that it’s an attempt by Yahoo to secure users in their database. While for Google you must have a valid telephone or mobile number, but for Yahoo it’s compulsory that you must have a valid mobile number to register. Ensuring the fact, the Yahoo personnel said “At Yahoo, we are committed to the security of our users. We ask our users to provide their mobile number at registration as a secondary means of authentication, in addition to their password. We would only use the number if we see any unusual activity on the account.” 

Well, while such attempt to ban spammers from creating spam mail ids might have been welcomed by many valid users, but the ISPAI (Internet Service Providers Association of India) has raised voice against such step by the two big internet giant. The ISPAI President Rajesh Chharia blames the step as an attempt to hamper the privacy of an individual. he even makes it clear that Indian government should observe how they (Google & Yahoo) are collecting phone numbers.

But what you think guys? Is it an attempt taken for public self or it hampers the personal interest of Individuals? Forget not to share your valuable comment with us.