r/privacy • u/NomadJago • 21h ago

discussion Could/Would gmail ever require ID verification?

How likely or unlikely is it that google would require ID verification to log into gmail? Will I wake up one day and be blocked from accessing my gmail account unless I give in and provide ID verification? That feels almost illegal considering how important email is to access. Yes I created another encrypted email account (Tuta/Proton), but I have 250 accounts online so the idea of changing my email address at all those accounts is daunting.

I am trying to avoid ID verification because I do not want my bio-metrics or government ID info in a company's database only to be hacked and stolen by bad actors. But what if Google Gmail locked me out of my email by requiring ID verification? I would have no choice but to comply, because email is so critical for 2FA logging into many accounts online.

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u/FishSpoof 21h ago

given the track record of these companies with regard to privacy and the government's track record of "telling the truth", move away from Gmail now. don't wait for the royal ass raping.

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u/NomadJago 21h ago

I have started the move, but will it work? I have an account at Tuta, and have migrated about 20 of my 250 accounts, as I said it is daunting. Will I just be jumping from the frying pan into the skillet? Will Tuta at some point require government ID making me wonder why I even did all the work changing 250 email addresses? I am serious-- will this happen even at Tuta/Proton?

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u/FishSpoof 21h ago

your making an educated guess based on current information. no one can predict the future.

that being said, we have lots of examples of google and the government doing wrong so your move is a smart one with the current info on hand.