google "make sure you have a recovery phone number set" encapsulates the entire problem with their security-as-if-it-means-privacy bullshit: when they say "security", they mean "surveillance and monopoly", because that's the only fucking thing they know how to do. a backup phone number is not a best practice, but it is very profitable for data brokers. and google constantly puts you at fear of losing your account based on "security" checks. the fear is the point
 
      
  
             
      
  
            