[hertzrat]

Microsoft will let you sign up for an account without a phone number. They will then fake a security response, citing suspicious behaviour (on an unused account with zero activity no less) to force you to provide a phone number. After providing the number, you may confirm: zero activity whatsoever, let alone suspicious activity

[warning26]

Instagram does this exact same thing as well, and it's such an annoying dark pattern.

[OrbitalShotput_]

This is indeed what I was citing in the opening post- it's effectively requiring a phone number.

[TT-392]

I am surprised this isn't illegal, especially since they are forcing you to do this to keep playing a game you already bought.

[antifa]

> They will then fake a security response, citing suspicious behaviour

It's very obvious they do this, they'll wait until you're a little more invested before revealing it's forced.

[naruhodo]

Yep. I had this exact experience a couple of weeks ago. Infuriating.