Why does Hushmail require my phone number?

EQ Admin

EQ Forum Admin
Staff member
Hi @hushmail

I created a new free email account this morning.

I created a new account at regular intervals since free accounts expire if they're unused.

I understand in part why you ask for a phone number, and that it's to help prevent spammers from registering lots of accounts.

Would you like to add any more detail around my thoughts on this requirement?

It surprised me since I didn't expect a phone number requirement from a service provider in the privacy & encrypted email service provider space.
 

hushmail

Email Service Provider
Yes. Unfortunately, due to issues with users abusing our system we now require text message verification for new free accounts. As you say, it helps us prevent situations like the one you describe.
 

EQ Admin

EQ Forum Admin
Staff member
Do you have any limits on how many accounts can be verified using the same phone number?
 

hushmail

Email Service Provider
Yes, we have. Our Abuse Department is constantly monitoring and optimizing the limit so that it does not impact real users users who genuinely want to create accounts for personal use while still keeping spammers at bay.
 
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