{ "batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_gmail_signup_phone_optional", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] What a new Google Account sign-up demands — phone number requirement", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Google's own sign-up help page lists adding a phone number as optional, not required, when creating a personal Google Account.", "body": "Google's own sign-up help page lists adding a phone number as optional, not required, when creating a personal Google Account.\n\nWhat Google actually says:\n\n“Optional: Add and verify a phone number for your account.”\n\nNote: The help page also states: 'You don't need to have a Gmail address to create a Google Account.' Recovery info (phone or email) is described as optional additional protection, not a creation requirement.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/27441", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Google", "evidence_quote": "Optional: Add and verify a phone number for your account.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Gmail / Google Account", "topic": "What a new Google Account sign-up demands — phone number requirement", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Google's global sign-up flow; in practice Google may prompt for phone on some devices/IP addresses", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_gmail_signup_existing_email", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Can an existing non-Gmail address be used to create a Google Account", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Google's own help page states that a Gmail address is not required to create a Google Account — an existing third-party email address can be used instead.", "body": "Google's own help page states that a Gmail address is not required to create a Google Account — an existing third-party email address can be used instead.\n\nWhat Google actually says:\n\n“You don't need to have a Gmail address to create a Google Account. You can also use a non-Gmail email address to create one instead.”\n\nNote: Signing up with an existing email requires verifying that email address with a code.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/27441", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Google", "evidence_quote": "You don't need to have a Gmail address to create a Google Account. You can also use a non-Gmail email address to create one instead.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Gmail / Google Account", "topic": "Can an existing non-Gmail address be used to create a Google Account", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_gmail_recovery_what_it_reveals", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] What recovery information Google asks for and what it reveals", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Google's own help page states that recovery information includes a recovery phone number and a recovery email address, both of which are optional additions after account creation.", "body": "Google's own help page states that recovery information includes a recovery phone number and a recovery email address, both of which are optional additions after account creation.\n\nWhat Google actually says:\n\n“If you forget your password or someone is using your account without your permission, updated recovery info makes it much more likely you'll get your account back. Add a recovery phone number. Add a recovery email address.”\n\nNote: Recovery contact information is not publicly visible to others; it is used only by Google for account recovery purposes.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/27441", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Google", "evidence_quote": "If you forget your password or someone is using your account without your permission, updated recovery info makes it much more likely you'll get your account back. Add a recovery phone number. Add a recovery email address.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Gmail / Google Account", "topic": "What recovery information Google asks for and what it reveals", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_microsoft_signup_method", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] What creating a new Microsoft account requires — email or phone", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Microsoft's own help page states that a new Microsoft account can be created using either an email address (including a new Outlook.com address) or a phone number, and explicitly lists using an email address as an alternative when a phone number causes problems.", "body": "Microsoft's own help page states that a new Microsoft account can be created using either an email address (including a new Outlook.com address) or a phone number, and explicitly lists using an email address as an alternative when a phone number causes problems.\n\nWhat Microsoft actually says:\n\n“Create your new account using an alternative sign-up method, such as an email address instead of a phone number.”\n\nNote: The help page also notes: 'If you don't have your own email, or want to get a new Outlook.com email address, go to outlook.com and select Create free account.' No ID is required to open a Microsoft account.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/how-to-create-a-new-microsoft-account", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Microsoft", "evidence_quote": "Create your new account using an alternative sign-up method, such as an email address instead of a phone number.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Microsoft Account / Outlook.com", "topic": "What creating a new Microsoft account requires — email or phone", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_proton_mail_free_plan", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] What a free Proton Mail account includes and what is required to open one", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Proton Mail's own pricing page states that a free Proton account includes 1 GB storage, 1 user, and 1 encrypted email address, with no mention of a phone number or government ID as a requirement.", "body": "Proton Mail's own pricing page states that a free Proton account includes 1 GB storage, 1 user, and 1 encrypted email address, with no mention of a phone number or government ID as a requirement.\n\nWhat Proton AG actually says:\n\n“1 GB storage; 1 user; 1 encrypted email address”\n\nNote: Proton may prompt for a phone number or email during free sign-up as an anti-abuse check, but this is not stated as a hard requirement in the public documentation fetched.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://proton.me/mail/pricing", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Proton AG", "evidence_quote": "1 GB storage; 1 user; 1 encrypted email address", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Proton Mail", "topic": "What a free Proton Mail account includes and what is required to open one", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Proton is based in Switzerland", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_proton_mail_recovery", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Proton Mail account recovery — what the recovery process reveals and how it works", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Proton's own support page states that password reset via email or phone prevents reading of existing encrypted emails and files, and that data recovery requires a recovery phrase or recovery file set by the user.", "body": "Proton's own support page states that password reset via email or phone prevents reading of existing encrypted emails and files, and that data recovery requires a recovery phrase or recovery file set by the user.\n\nWhat Proton AG actually says:\n\n“If you reset your Proton password by email or phone, you won't be able to read your existing emails and other encrypted files due to the encryption that we use. However, you can recover your files by using one of the data recovery methods.”\n\nNote: Recovery methods listed: recovery phrase, recovery file. The recovery email or phone is used only to deliver a reset link, not to decrypt mailbox content. Proton states: 'Proton doesn't have access to your password, so we can't reset it for you if you forget or lose it.'", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://proton.me/support/account", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Proton AG", "evidence_quote": "If you reset your Proton password by email or phone, you won't be able to read your existing emails and other encrypted files due to the encryption that we use. However, you can recover your files by using one of the data recovery methods.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Proton Mail", "topic": "Proton Mail account recovery — what the recovery process reveals and how it works", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_tuta_free_plan", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] What a free Tuta account includes — storage, addresses, sign-up requirements", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Tuta's own pricing page states that a free account includes 1 GB storage, 1 calendar, and 3 labels, with no phone number or ID stated as a sign-up requirement.", "body": "Tuta's own pricing page states that a free account includes 1 GB storage, 1 calendar, and 3 labels, with no phone number or ID stated as a sign-up requirement.\n\nWhat Tuta GmbH actually says:\n\n“Storage: 1 GB [Free] | Number of calendars: 1 [Free] | Labels: 3 [Free]”\n\nNote: Tuta's support page states: 'Free accounts are deleted if you do not log in for a period longer than six months.' No phone number or ID requirement appears in the pricing or support page text fetched. Tuta's security note: 'Our secure password reset feature allows only you to reset your password. We have no influence on this process.'", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://tuta.com/pricing", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Tuta GmbH", "evidence_quote": "Storage: 1 GB [Free] | Number of calendars: 1 [Free] | Labels: 3 [Free]", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Tuta (formerly Tutanota)", "topic": "What a free Tuta account includes — storage, addresses, sign-up requirements", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Tuta is based in Germany; servers in Germany", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_tuta_account_deletion_inactivity", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Free Tuta account deletion due to inactivity", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Tuta's own support page states that free accounts are deleted if the user does not log in for more than six months, and that Tuta does not recycle addresses from deleted accounts.", "body": "Tuta's own support page states that free accounts are deleted if the user does not log in for more than six months, and that Tuta does not recycle addresses from deleted accounts.\n\nWhat Tuta GmbH actually says:\n\n“Free accounts are deleted if you do not log in for a period longer than six months. We do not recycle Tuta addresses which means that the address is blocked for new registrations.”\n\nNote: Deleted free addresses cannot be re-registered by anyone else, but the original user can reactivate with a paid plan if they still have valid credentials.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://tuta.com/support", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Tuta GmbH", "evidence_quote": "Free accounts are deleted if you do not log in for a period longer than six months. We do not recycle Tuta addresses which means that the address is blocked for new registrations.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Tuta", "topic": "Free Tuta account deletion due to inactivity", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_google_voice_setup_requirements", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] What is required to set up a Google Voice number", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Google Voice's own setup help page states that signing up requires only a Google Account and choosing a number by city or area code — no separate phone number, payment, or ID is stated as required for the US free tier.", "body": "Google Voice's own setup help page states that signing up requires only a Google Account and choosing a number by city or area code — no separate phone number, payment, or ID is stated as required for the US free tier.\n\nWhat Google actually says:\n\n“Sign in to your Google Account. Review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and then click Continue. You can search for available numbers by city or area code. If numbers aren't available in your area, try a nearby city or area code. Next to the number you want, click Select.”\n\nNote: Costs: 'When you call from the US, almost all Google Voice calls to the US and Canada are free. Some calls to specific phone numbers in the US and Canada cost 1 cent per minute (USD).' Google Voice is a VoIP number. Whether platforms accept Google Voice for SMS verification is not stated by Google Voice itself — that is a receiving-platform policy question.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115061", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Google", "evidence_quote": "Sign in to your Google Account. Review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and then click Continue. You can search for available numbers by city or area code. If numbers aren't available in your area, try a nearby city or area code. Next to the number you want, click Select.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Google Voice", "topic": "What is required to set up a Google Voice number", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "Google Voice personal numbers are available in the US only", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_hushed_pricing", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Hushed second phone number service — pricing and what is required to sign up", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Hushed's own pricing page states that unlimited local calling and texting plans start at $6.99 USD/month and prepaid plans start at $7.99 USD/month; the FAQ states account creation requires only signing up in the app with no mention of a real phone number or ID.", "body": "Hushed's own pricing page states that unlimited local calling and texting plans start at $6.99 USD/month and prepaid plans start at $7.99 USD/month; the FAQ states account creation requires only signing up in the app with no mention of a real phone number or ID.\n\nWhat AffinityClick Inc. (Hushed) actually says:\n\n“Unlimited: Starting at $6.99 USD/MONTH. Unlimited local talk & text. Choose from Canada, United States, and U.K. phone numbers. Auto-renewing subscriptions (save up to 20% with an annual plan).”\n\nNote: From the FAQ on the same page: 'It takes about 10 seconds to create a Hushed account. Really! Just sign up for an account, and you're in.' and 'Hushed numbers work over the internet, so you either need Wi-Fi, mobile data...' No real phone number or ID stated as required to open an account. Numbers are VoIP.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://hushed.com/pricing/", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "AffinityClick Inc. (Hushed)", "evidence_quote": "Unlimited: Starting at $6.99 USD/MONTH. Unlimited local talk & text. Choose from Canada, United States, and U.K. phone numbers. Auto-renewing subscriptions (save up to 20% with an annual plan).", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Hushed", "topic": "Hushed second phone number service — pricing and what is required to sign up", "applies_to_country": "US,CA,GB", "applies_to_scope": "Numbers available in Canada, United States, and UK area codes", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us", "ca", "uk" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_paypal_business_display_name", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] PayPal business accounts can use a company or business name as the account name", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] PayPal's own User Agreement states that with a business account, the account holder can use a company or business name as the name on their business account.", "body": "PayPal's own User Agreement states that with a business account, the account holder can use a company or business name as the name on their business account.\n\nWhat PayPal, Inc. actually says:\n\n“With a business account, you can do things like: Sell goods or services or receive donations. Use a company or business name as the name on your business account. Allow employees access to some of the features of your business account.”\n\nNote: PayPal requires the business to be 'organized in, operating in, or a resident of, the United States or one of its territories' for a US business account.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "PayPal, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "With a business account, you can do things like: Sell goods or services or receive donations. Use a company or business name as the name on your business account. Allow employees access to some of the features of your business account.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "PayPal Business Account", "topic": "PayPal business accounts can use a company or business name as the account name", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "US PayPal accounts; User Agreement last updated September 1, 2026", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_paypal_business_legal_id_required", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] PayPal business account — legal identifying information required for full balance functionality", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] PayPal's own User Agreement states that business accounts require either: for sole proprietorships — name, physical address, date of birth, and taxpayer identification number; or for other business entities — business name, business address, and taxpayer identification number.", "body": "PayPal's own User Agreement states that business accounts require either: for sole proprietorships — name, physical address, date of birth, and taxpayer identification number; or for other business entities — business name, business address, and taxpayer identification number.\n\nWhat PayPal, Inc. actually says:\n\n“The required identifying information is: for sole proprietorships: name, physical address, date of birth and taxpayer identification number; or for other types of business legal entities: business name, business address and taxpayer identification number.”\n\nNote: Without verified identifying information, balance can only be held in the account and transferred to a linked bank account or debit card. Full functionality requires legal identity verification.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "PayPal, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "The required identifying information is: for sole proprietorships: name, physical address, date of birth and taxpayer identification number; or for other types of business legal entities: business name, business address and taxpayer identification number.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "PayPal Business Account", "topic": "PayPal business account — legal identifying information required for full balance functionality", "applies_to_country": "US", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_paypal_business_credit_report_consent", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] PayPal business account — consent to credit report pull at account opening", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] PayPal's own User Agreement states that by opening a business account, the holder consents to PayPal obtaining their personal and/or business credit report from a credit reporting agency at account opening.", "body": "PayPal's own User Agreement states that by opening a business account, the holder consents to PayPal obtaining their personal and/or business credit report from a credit reporting agency at account opening.\n\nWhat PayPal, Inc. actually says:\n\n“You also consent to PayPal obtaining your personal and/or business credit report from a credit reporting agency at account opening and whenever we reasonably believe there may be an increased level of risk associated with your business account.”\n\nNote: This is a condition of the business account agreement only, not the personal account agreement.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "PayPal, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "You also consent to PayPal obtaining your personal and/or business credit report from a credit reporting agency at account opening and whenever we reasonably believe there may be an increased level of risk associated with your business account.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "PayPal Business Account", "topic": "PayPal business account — consent to credit report pull at account opening", "applies_to_country": "US", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_stripe_customer_visible_info", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Stripe: What customers see on card statements and receipts — business name and contact details", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Stripe's own account setup documentation states that customers see the business name and website URL, support email address, phone number and address, support site URL, and statement descriptor text on their card statements or email receipts.", "body": "Stripe's own account setup documentation states that customers see the business name and website URL, support email address, phone number and address, support site URL, and statement descriptor text on their card statements or email receipts.\n\nWhat Stripe actually says:\n\n“Your customers see the following details on either their card statements or in email receipts sent by Stripe. Business name and website URL. Support email address, phone number, and address. Support site URL. Statement descriptor text.”\n\nNote: The business name shown to customers is whatever is entered during Stripe account verification. A DBA/stage business name can be entered. Stripe's KYC obligations require collecting identity information from the account holder separately.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://docs.stripe.com/get-started/account/set-up", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Stripe", "evidence_quote": "Your customers see the following details on either their card statements or in email receipts sent by Stripe. Business name and website URL. Support email address, phone number, and address. Support site URL. Statement descriptor text.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Stripe", "topic": "What customers see on card statements and receipts — business name and contact details", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_stripe_statement_descriptor_dba", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Stripe: Statement descriptor requirement — must reflect DBA name, length and character rules", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Stripe's own statement descriptor documentation states that a complete statement descriptor must contain between 5 and 22 characters, contain at least one letter, not contain special characters including backslash, single quote, double quote, and asterisk, and must reflect the account's Doing Business As (DBA) name.", "body": "Stripe's own statement descriptor documentation states that a complete statement descriptor must contain between 5 and 22 characters, contain at least one letter, not contain special characters including backslash, single quote, double quote, and asterisk, and must reflect the account's Doing Business As (DBA) name.\n\nWhat Stripe actually says:\n\n“Contains between 5 and 22 characters, inclusive. Contains at least one letter. Doesn't contain any of the following special characters: <, >, \\, ', \", *. Reflects your Doing Business As (DBA) name.”\n\nNote: A stage name used as a DBA satisfies the 'DBA name' requirement. The legal personal name of the account holder is not required to appear in the statement descriptor.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://docs.stripe.com/get-started/account/statement-descriptors", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Stripe", "evidence_quote": "Contains between 5 and 22 characters, inclusive. Contains at least one letter. Doesn't contain any of the following special characters: <, >, \\, ', \", *. Reflects your Doing Business As (DBA) name.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Stripe", "topic": "Statement descriptor requirement — must reflect DBA name, length and character rules", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_stripe_kyc_identity_required", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Stripe KYC — identity information collected from the account holder at setup", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Stripe's own account setup documentation states that their Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations require collecting and maintaining identity information for all users, and that this includes information about the business, product, and relationship to the business.", "body": "Stripe's own account setup documentation states that their Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations require collecting and maintaining identity information for all users, and that this includes information about the business, product, and relationship to the business.\n\nWhat Stripe actually says:\n\n“Our \"Know Your Customer\" (KYC) obligations require us to collect and maintain this information for all users. Regulators and financial partners require it to help prevent financial-system abuse.”\n\nNote: KYC information is collected by Stripe from the account holder and is not shown to payers. The Stripe Identity product (docs.stripe.com/identity) separately verifies end-user identities for platforms — this is distinct from Stripe's own KYC of the merchant.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://docs.stripe.com/get-started/account/set-up", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Stripe", "evidence_quote": "Our \"Know Your Customer\" (KYC) obligations require us to collect and maintain this information for all users. Regulators and financial partners require it to help prevent financial-system abuse.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Stripe", "topic": "Stripe KYC — identity information collected from the account holder at setup", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_wise_business_open_account", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] What is required to open a Wise Business account", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Wise's own help page for opening a business account states that setup requires entering details about yourself and your business, and that the account may need to be verified before completing transfers; in some regions there is a fee to open a business account.", "body": "Wise's own help page for opening a business account states that setup requires entering details about yourself and your business, and that the account may need to be verified before completing transfers; in some regions there is a fee to open a business account.\n\nWhat Wise actually says:\n\n“It only takes a few minutes to set up your Wise Business account. You just need to enter some details about yourself and your business. We might need to verify your account before completing any transfers for you.”\n\nNote: Also from the same page: 'In some regions there's a fee to open a business account or get account details for receiving money.' Business verification requires additional documentation beyond personal verification.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://wise.com/help/articles/2961337/how-do-i-open-a-wise-account-for-my-business", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Wise", "evidence_quote": "It only takes a few minutes to set up your Wise Business account. You just need to enter some details about yourself and your business. We might need to verify your account before completing any transfers for you.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Wise Business", "topic": "What is required to open a Wise Business account", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Region-specific fees apply", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_wise_verification_documents", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] What Wise requires for personal identity verification — documents and selfie", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Wise's own guide to getting verified states that it usually verifies identity with a photo ID (passport, national ID card, or driving licence), proof of address, and/or a picture of the person holding their ID; for some transfers a selfie alongside the ID is required.", "body": "Wise's own guide to getting verified states that it usually verifies identity with a photo ID (passport, national ID card, or driving licence), proof of address, and/or a picture of the person holding their ID; for some transfers a selfie alongside the ID is required.\n\nWhat Wise actually says:\n\n“We usually verify your identity with a photo ID, proof of address, and/or a picture of you holding your ID.”\n\nNote: Accepted ID documents: Passport (photo page only), National ID card (both sides), Driving licence (both sides). Selfie requirement: 'For some transfers, we may ask you to take a picture of your face alongside your ID document.' A legal name matching the photo ID is required; a stage name cannot be the primary account name.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://wise.com/help/articles/2949782/guide-to-getting-verified", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Wise", "evidence_quote": "We usually verify your identity with a photo ID, proof of address, and/or a picture of you holding your ID.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Wise (personal verification)", "topic": "What Wise requires for personal identity verification — documents and selfie", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Exact requirements vary by country and transfer amount", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_wise_business_ubo_verification", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Wise Business verification — Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) must be verified", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Wise's own business help topic listing includes a dedicated article on Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) verification, indicating that the real identities of beneficial owners must be provided for a business account.", "body": "Wise's own business help topic listing includes a dedicated article on Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) verification, indicating that the real identities of beneficial owners must be provided for a business account.\n\nWhat Wise actually says:\n\n“How does Wise verify Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)?”\n\nNote: This is a topic listing entry. The linked article was not fetched in full. A creator using a business name must still identify the real human owner(s) to Wise.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://wise.com/help/topics/4weIubYURiKk7XZK3ZawNx/wise-business", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Wise", "evidence_quote": "How does Wise verify Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)?", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Wise Business", "topic": "Wise Business verification — Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) must be verified", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_onlyfans_verification_rejection_reasons", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] OnlyFans: Most common reasons a creator account application is rejected at verification — selfie and social media requirements", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] OnlyFans' own help page lists the most common reasons for creator account rejection as: poor quality selfies; poor quality photographs of ID documents; expired, invalid or damaged ID documents; inability to make payouts in the applicant's country; and other social media accounts set to private.", "body": "OnlyFans' own help page lists the most common reasons for creator account rejection as: poor quality selfies; poor quality photographs of ID documents; expired, invalid or damaged ID documents; inability to make payouts in the applicant's country; and other social media accounts set to private.\n\nWhat OnlyFans actually says:\n\n“The most common reasons Creator account applications are rejected are: poor quality selfies; poor quality photographs of your ID documents; expired, invalid or damaged ID documents; we are unable to make payouts in your country of residence; your other social media accounts are set to private.”\n\nNote: The requirement for linked public social media is stated here as a rejection reason, confirming it is a verification requirement. A stage-name public social media profile satisfies the 'not set to private' requirement, but the ID itself must be the legal government-issued document.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://onlyfans.com/help/196/197/202", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "OnlyFans", "evidence_quote": "The most common reasons Creator account applications are rejected are: poor quality selfies; poor quality photographs of your ID documents; expired, invalid or damaged ID documents; we are unable to make payouts in your country of residence; your other social media accounts are set to private.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "OnlyFans", "topic": "Most common reasons a creator account application is rejected at verification — selfie and social media requirements", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_bitwarden_business_teams_plan", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Bitwarden shared business vault — Teams plan pricing and features", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Bitwarden's own pricing page states that a Teams plan costs $4 per user per month billed annually and includes secure credential sharing, event logs, directory sync, and SCIM provisioning.", "body": "Bitwarden's own pricing page states that a Teams plan costs $4 per user per month billed annually and includes secure credential sharing, event logs, directory sync, and SCIM provisioning.\n\nWhat Bitwarden, Inc. actually says:\n\n“Teams: $4 per month / per user billed annually. Basic business features — Centralized ownership and management, plus: Share credentials securely. Audit activity with event logs. Synchronize your existing directory. Automate provisioning with SCIM.”\n\nNote: No sign-up ID requirement beyond an email address is stated on the pricing page. A solo creator can use the free Bitwarden personal account without business documentation.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://bitwarden.com/pricing/", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Bitwarden, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "Teams: $4 per month / per user billed annually. Basic business features — Centralized ownership and management, plus: Share credentials securely. Audit activity with event logs. Synchronize your existing directory. Automate provisioning with SCIM.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Bitwarden", "topic": "Bitwarden shared business vault — Teams plan pricing and features", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Prices in USD, annual billing", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_1password_teams_pricing", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] 1Password shared business vault — Teams Starter Pack pricing and user limit", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] 1Password's own product page states that the Teams Starter Pack costs $24.95 USD per month for up to 10 users (paid annually) and includes shared passwords and sensitive data, role-based permissions, and security alerts.", "body": "1Password's own product page states that the Teams Starter Pack costs $24.95 USD per month for up to 10 users (paid annually) and includes shared passwords and sensitive data, role-based permissions, and security alerts.\n\nWhat 1Password actually says:\n\n“Teams Starter Pack: $24.95 USD. Up to 10 users per month. Paid annually. Share passwords and sensitive data. Stay informed with actionable security alerts. Assign access with role-based permissions.”\n\nNote: 1Password does not require government ID to open a business team account; only a payment method and email are needed.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://1password.com/product/teams-small-business-password-manager", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "1Password", "evidence_quote": "Teams Starter Pack: $24.95 USD. Up to 10 users per month. Paid annually. Share passwords and sensitive data. Stay informed with actionable security alerts. Assign access with role-based permissions.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "1Password", "topic": "1Password shared business vault — Teams Starter Pack pricing and user limit", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Price shown in USD", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r77_setup_stage_identity_77_proton_pass_business_vault_sharing", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Proton Pass business plans — secure vault sharing and minimum user requirement", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Proton Pass's own business pricing page states that the Pass Essentials plan includes secure vault, item and link sharing, with a minimum of 3 users.", "body": "Proton Pass's own business pricing page states that the Pass Essentials plan includes secure vault, item and link sharing, with a minimum of 3 users.\n\nWhat Proton AG actually says:\n\n“Pass Essentials: Minimum 3 users. Account protection for small teams, includes: Unlimited logins, notes, and credit cards. Browser, mobile, and desktop apps. Secure vault, item and link sharing. Built-in 2FA authenticator. Dark Web Monitoring. Password health check. Passkey support on all devices. Unlimited hide-my-email aliases.”\n\nNote: The Pass Plus personal plan also includes secure vault sharing for individuals. A solo creator does not need the business tier to get vault sharing.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://proton.me/business/pass/pricing", "last_verified": "2026-09-03", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Proton AG", "evidence_quote": "Pass Essentials: Minimum 3 users. Account protection for small teams, includes: Unlimited logins, notes, and credit cards. Browser, mobile, and desktop apps. Secure vault, item and link sharing. Built-in 2FA authenticator. Dark Web Monitoring. Password health check. Passkey support on all devices. Unlimited hide-my-email aliases.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "77-setup-stage-identity", "subject": "Proton Pass for Business", "topic": "Proton Pass business plans — secure vault sharing and minimum user requirement", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Minimum 3 users for business plans", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } } ] }