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> But Telegram has a huge spam problem. Which is likely the real reason Signal requires a phone number.

I was able to register with fake number I got for free on the internet. That clearly doesn't solve SPAM problem. If I know that, Signal certainly knows that.

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There's not an unlimited amount of fake numbers available, that's the difference. The point is to limit your ability to register thousands of accounts.

Spam filtering is a game of numbers, every limit you impose to the ability of spammers to amplify their message reduces the likelihood a particular individual receives a spam message.

Did you have to supply your personal details to anybody in order to get that free number?

Not at all, but the downside is it works until someone takes over.

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