Why does yahoo mail require a phone number

Yahoo Mail requires a phone number for several reasons:

1. Account Verification: Yahoo Mail uses the phone number to verify the account owner's identity. This helps prevent spam and phishing attacks by ensuring that the account is being used by the actual owner.
2. Two-Factor Authentication: Yahoo Mail offers two-factor authentication (2FA) as an additional security layer. When you enable 2FA, you'll receive a verification code via SMS or voice call to your registered phone number. This code is required to access your account, adding an extra layer of security.
3. Account Recovery: If you forget your password or need to recover your account, Yahoo Mail can send a verification code to your registered phone number to help you regain access.
4. Spam and Abuse Prevention: By requiring a phone number, Yahoo Mail can better detect and prevent spam and abuse. Phone numbers can be used to identify and block suspicious activity, such as multiple login attempts from the same IP address.
5. Compliance with Regulations: Yahoo Mail may be required to collect phone numbers as part of compliance with various regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union.
6. Enhanced User Experience: Having a phone number associated with your Yahoo Mail account can also enhance your user experience. For example, you may be able to use Yahoo Mail's mobile app to receive notifications and access your account more easily.

It's worth noting that Yahoo Mail doesn't require a phone number for all users. If you're using a Yahoo Mail account that was created before the phone number requirement was implemented, you may not need to provide a phone number. However, if you're creating a new account or updating an existing one, you'll likely be prompted to provide a phone number.