I QUIT MICROSOFT!!!
It has come to my attention that Microsoft makes it mandatory (in a sneaky way) that all accounts must have a phone number associated with it. This was the last straw for me, I had previously switched from Microsoft OS's to Linux and while it took some time to get used to, I will never go back. Microsoft is invading our privacy each and every which way they can. Windows 10 was the push I needed to ditch Windows as a OS. Now, I am ditching Microsoft and ALL their products completely!
What exactly am I talking about? Well, anyone can setup a Microsoft account for free, for a number of uses (Windows 10/PC/XBOX/Email/Cloud Storage/Etc.). Great! sign me up. But wait... After a day or up to a week or two, Microsoft will say "Your account has been locked" and you will not be able to login or use any services with that account. With a BS excuse of "We've detected some activity that violates our Microsoft Services Agreement and have locked your account." Microsoft will claim a number of vague reasons why your account was locked and will never admit that it's a complete and utter lie. Now in order to unlock your account, you need to provide Microsoft a phone number where you can receive a text with a code to be entered on the site to unlock your account.
No matter what you do, call, submit a ticket, etc. They will not accept anything in lieu of the number, not even the alternative email you provided during setup! Microsoft will claim that this is to cut down on spam and/or fake accounts. And why that is semi-reasonable, they should not force everyone to do this unless their account actually has suspicious activity. So why do they want your number? Besides the "reasons" they are telling you? Well, to track and monitor you. They can link all your accounts on their back end, with the phone number you provided for any accounts you created. If you aren't aware of all the privacy concerns around Windows 10, you should read up on that and then see why this is phone number issue is even more concerning.
But I am not here to convince you, read up on the issues I noted above and take action as you see necessary. I highly recommend that each and everyone of you file a complaint and voice your concerns to Microsoft, the Attorney General/Privacy Commissioner in your country/region and any activist/privacy groups you know of. This kind of privacy invasion cannot continue, where will it end!?!
