Why do I need a cell phone to create a gmail account?

I've used gmail for a long time, but now all of a sudden, it seems having a mobile phone number is a requirement just to get a gmail email address. Apparently part of the activation process is sending a text message to your phone to activate your gmail address. That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. Why would they do this?

to prove your not a peasant

I got Gmail before I got a phone.

I'm glad I've had my gmail account for more than a few years, before cellphones were required. They require a cellphone to prevent people from creating several accounts.

I'm glad I've had my gmail account for more than a few years, before cellphones were required. They require a cellphone to prevent people from creating several accounts.

TehOverkill

[QUOTE="TehOverkill"]

I'm glad I've had my gmail account for more than a few years, before cellphones were required. They require a cellphone to prevent people from creating several accounts.

LJS9502_basic

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"][QUOTE="TehOverkill"]

I'm glad I've had my gmail account for more than a few years, before cellphones were required. They require a cellphone to prevent people from creating several accounts.

Bryan_Williams