Gmail registration now requires QR code scanning and SMS sending
Original: Gmail registration now requires scanning a QR code and sending a text message
Why This Matters
Restricts anonymous account creation and affects privacy tools users rely on
Google has changed its account registration process to require users to scan a QR code that triggers an SMS message sent from their phone to Google for verification, replacing the previous method of receiving SMS codes.
Google has implemented a new account registration system that replaces SMS verification with QR code scanning. When users scan the QR code with their smartphone, it automatically sends an SMS from their phone to Google to verify the phone number. This change affects privacy-conscious users who previously relied on SMS verification services like SMSpool to create accounts anonymously. While Google claims the change improves security by making phishing more difficult, it effectively blocks third-party SMS services. Users in the Privacy Guides Community are discussing workarounds and expressing concerns about maintaining anonymity when creating Google accounts.