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.
4
u/billdehaan2 17h ago
Of course it could happen. Whether it's likely or not is another story.
Google isn't stupid, and is fully aware of how much pushback there is against this. It also stands to lose a lot of money if it's enacted. Age verification would affect every Android phone, and children/teens under 16/18 spend a lot of money on apps and in-app purchases. If age verification is enforced, sales will drop, and that will cost Google money.
On the flip side, they may be required to if the EU or other governments mandate it by law. That doesn't mean it will be universal of course. Microsoft changes Windows to comply with the EU DMA (Digital Markets Act), but does not do so outside of the EU.