Please don't use Discord for FOSS projects (drewdevault.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the use of Discord for FOSS projects and the requirement of a phone number to join certain servers. The comments reveal that this requirement is likely intended to prevent spam and sock puppet accounts. Some users are concerned about the privacy implications of sharing their phone number with Discord. The discussion highlights the trade-offs between security, convenience, and privacy in online communities.

Main themes

• Discord and FOSS projects
• phone number verification
• spam prevention
• online security
• privacy concerns
• alternative verification methods

What commenters say

• Requiring a phone number to join a server is a necessary measure to prevent spam and ensure account security.
• Asking for a phone number is an invasion of privacy and a lazy solution to the problem of spam.
• Alternative methods of verification, such as TOTP or U2F keys, are available and should be used instead of phone numbers.
• The requirement of a phone number is not a significant issue for most people, as many apps and services already require it.
• Some users are willing to use burner phones or other workarounds to avoid sharing their personal phone number.
• The use of phone numbers for verification is a generation gap issue, with younger people being less concerned about sharing their phone number.
• The phone number requirement can be a barrier to entry for some users, particularly those who do not have a phone or prefer not to share their number.