[redwolf22]

Its more likely that they just want the number for Multi-factor authentication. Not that I like, that every site now asks for a phone number. But it is more of a security reason. Otherwise there must be real people involved in oder to restore your account. It also insures that most of the user accounts are no sock puppets. Not every user has access to vast ammounts of mobile phone numbers.

Another great thread, describing this dilemma is "Don't build your castle in other people's kingdoms" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29108662

In discords defense: It was never made for open source projects in mind, but gamers and small private communities. Having a free service provided might come with traps and pitfalls, but I would prefer that over having only paid online services. Choose your poison. I don't think discord is the right choice for FOSS communities.

[Sebb767]

> Its more likely that they just want the number for Multi-factor authentication.

You can do that with an app or an U2F key. You don't need a phone number for that and, in fact, SMS-based 2FA is mostly discouraged by now due to sim swapping attacks.

So it boils down to avoiding sock puppets (most likely IMO) and to collect your data (which is something nice to get on top).

[indrora]

The reason for having SMS-based 2FA as a default is that it's At least something.

Adding a U2F token and having SMS as a backup means that you don't have people locked out because their yubikey failed -- which happens.

Discord is trying to solve some of the bootstrapping problems that arise from "oh fuck my computer and phone were both stolen" -- which, again, happens.

[jrootabega]

It's to prevent people from creating unlimited "anonymous" accounts. Phone numbers cost money and are, in many cases, something that can identify you if needed.

[heavyset_go]

It's also a good way to signal to investors and advertising partners about how many real humans actively use their services versus how many bots are using them.

[redwolf22]

Ah sorry. I did not see your comment while editing mine to include this argument as well.