Can a company website refuse to allow me to sign up without a mobile number?

whalemoney

Hi I'm noticing that a number of websites are demanding mobile numbers now in order to send a verification code when signing up to their websites.  I refuse to give my mobile number as it simply isn't necessary.  They're clearly doing this so they can either spam your inbox with texts and promos (Myprotein a big offender in this regard) and/or they're selling the number onto other companies that call and generally hassle you.  I am trying to sign up to Hussle (formerly payasugym) and I cannot do so without first providing my mobile tel.  Customer service have replied to my complaint stating that I can't sign up without a mobile number.  They have refused to provide a reason why my number is needed.  I have been a customer of Hussle in the past and therefore I know first hand that the mobile number isn't in any way linked to your user ID, so the gyms you go to don't require any kind of mobile verification.  It's not as if they need to text you a code every time you go into a gym, so it's completely unreasonable to request customers hand over their mobile number.

My question therefore is it even lawful that companies can withold services if you don't obey to their demand of disclosing private information such as this?  If customers were to walk into a supermarket and security were to tell them "you can't enter unless you disclose your mobile number" they'd soon be in trouble. I can't see how these companies can get away with this, especially as the number has nothing to do with accessing Hussle gyms, logging into the app or logging into the website.

custardy

Of course its lawful. They can sell/not sell to whomever they wish.
Using your supermarket example.
Tesco have a special set of instore prices only available if you provide them with personal details. They call it Clubcard.

[Deleted User]

The bottom line is your going to need to provide it or not have access to that website/service. 

IvanOpinion

They are not 'getting away' with anything.  They are offering a service and you can avail of it if you meet their requirements, in this case it is a mobile number.  Quite possibly they are using it as part of their due diligence to help verify you are who you say you are ... it may be they have 2FA in the pipeline and therefore will need this.

We are in the 21st century and you have to accept that there may be a 21st century way of doing some things - if you don't like them then you have to get over it and find some other person willing to do business on your terms.  The problem is not at their end.

[Deleted User]

whalemoney said:

 They're clearly doing this so they can either spam your inbox with texts and promos (Myprotein a big offender in this regard) 

and/or they're selling the number onto other companies that call and generally hassle you.

They're clearly not.

My Protein have only ever used my mobile number to send me delivery notifications.

Have a look at companies' privacy policies if you're unsure as to why you're providing data. And understand how to adapt your marketing preferences.

dinglebert

Yes it is perfectly legal.  They are doing it to protect themselves and you, ensuring that they are actually dealing with you and not someone pretending to be you.   You analogy with supermarkets is also wrong.  If they want to insist on having your phone number before you gain entry then they could do that if they wanted to.  As long as they provide the information clearly as to why and how they deal with your data then its legal.

vacheron

whalemoney said:

Hi I'm noticing that a number of websites are demanding mobile numbers now in order to send a verification code when signing up to their websites.  I refuse to give my mobile number as it simply isn't necessary.  They're clearly doing this so they can either spam your inbox with texts and promos. (Myprotein a big offender in this regard) and/or they're selling the number onto other companies that call and generally hassle you........

They are "clearly doing this" because they provide two-factor security (as do many others now) to prevent fraudsters from accessing your account. 

It is possible you also left a marketing box ticked when you signed up to Myprotein, and if you did, simply click on the "unsubscribe" link they are legally bound to provide and that is one problem solved, however if you are still refusing to give out your number then you can only solve that problem by taking your custom to someone who's security is potentially not so robust.

user1977

If they're not actually going to use your number for anything, what makes you think you need to give them a genuine number?

pbartlett

They will use your number to send you a one time code to log in, so giving the wrong number will simply mean you cannot log in. Also they check they have the right number at registration by sending you a code.

mattyprice4004

Two factor authentication (giving you a code to log in) is going to be more common, so get used to it. 
Also, some couriers (such as DPD) need a mobile number for the booking. 
Don't like it? Use another company

unholyangel

The company can have any policy they like, as long as it doesn't directly or indirectly discriminate against protected characteristics. 

Imo a policy that makes a mobile number mandatory would possibly fall foul of this.