Requiring phone numbers for registration is a means to somewhat limit the number of accounts that can be generated. Without that limitation it could be overrun with bots.
Why doesn’t nostr:npub1n03pvydrg9pxay2xy479g9u7ytgh3wmagyrwy37a70js0ductf4sudh0ky remove the need for phone numbers, and improve privacy and save $6MM annually?
Discussion
Agree there is a cost imposed.
nostr:npub1exv22uulqnmlluszc4yk92jhs2e5ajcs6mu3t00a6avzjcalj9csm7d828 doesn’t use phone numbers. SimpleX users can opt into a reusable address, which can be deleted without losing contacts.
I don’t see why Signal cannot investigate an identity approach that removes numbers, and improves privacy for a $6 million annual prize.