I understand that online services need to verify my identity. But if the service does not involve my phone, why do I need to disclose my phone number?!? I just tried to sign up for Instagram, which is now impossible without a phone number (in spite of email verification). The only thing worse are services that ignore non-phone users, as WhatsApp had done for a long time.

Of course, I understand the reason: A phone number today is the best tool for reliably tracking individuals. Which makes it pretty clear that the user is the product being sold…