Google now requires government photo ID?
Mar 22, 2023 07:45:57 #
David Martin
Loc: Cary, NC
Yesterday Google apparently put my account "on hold." I discovered it this morning when I was unable to open YouTube TV, and then found an email from late yesterday telling me that I had to verify "my payment information.
"Hi David,
Your YouTube TV membership is paused."
I thought perhaps my credit card was expiring, to I went online and provided details for a current card. I was then directed to contact Google, and they said that they also need an image of my government photo ID, for example a drivers license or passport, and that it had to show not only my name, but also my date of birth, an expiration date, and preferably my address as well.
The customer support agent said that Google was "legally required" to collect this information, and said that all subscribers are now required to submit this information.
The policy seems overly intrusive and definitely not secure.
I've never heard of this, nor of any new law (at least in the U.S.) that requires govt photo ID just to stream TV channels.
"Hi David,
Your YouTube TV membership is paused."
I thought perhaps my credit card was expiring, to I went online and provided details for a current card. I was then directed to contact Google, and they said that they also need an image of my government photo ID, for example a drivers license or passport, and that it had to show not only my name, but also my date of birth, an expiration date, and preferably my address as well.
The customer support agent said that Google was "legally required" to collect this information, and said that all subscribers are now required to submit this information.
The policy seems overly intrusive and definitely not secure.
I've never heard of this, nor of any new law (at least in the U.S.) that requires govt photo ID just to stream TV channels.
Mar 22, 2023 08:11:37 #
To me, this sounds like an attempt at phishing. I would bet money that if you challenge them to explain themselves you will find they back down. You will discover who really is asking for govt ID. If all else fails, drop Google like bad news. You will feel better be being anti-social. I did!
Mar 22, 2023 08:32:51 #
Sounds fishy to me. I would pause for a bit. I will also look at YouTube to see if I experienced the same.
Update: I had no issue with YouTube. Did not ask me for ID.
Update: I had no issue with YouTube. Did not ask me for ID.
Mar 22, 2023 08:43:32 #
Mar 22, 2023 08:44:09 #
Unfortunately, I believe it is genuine. Since 911, the government has required more proof of identity, although I don't how watching YouTube TV could be a "threat to National Security." Imagine the mess at Google with millions of people send in their IDs.
https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7644078?hl=en
https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7644078?hl=en
Mar 22, 2023 08:45:06 #
Mar 22, 2023 08:47:35 #
Alarm bells should be going off - there is no way I would provide any of the info requested.
Mar 22, 2023 08:58:01 #
SCAM & PHISHING.....
(So are "Verify Your Payment Info" emails.....)
(So are "Verify Your Payment Info" emails.....)
Mar 22, 2023 08:58:10 #
leftj
Loc: Texas
jerryc41 wrote:
Unfortunately, I believe it is genuine. Since 911, the government has required more proof of identity, although I don't how watching YouTube TV could be a "threat to National Security." Imagine the mess at Google with millions of people send in their IDs.
https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7644078?hl=en
https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7644078?hl=en
Are you kidding! 911 was over 20 years ago! I think I will drop my line in your phishing pond.
Mar 22, 2023 09:00:37 #
Kiron
Loc: Wales and Florida
I have several Google accounts, but only one has my name on it. Sounds phishy to me too. As Scruples says, challenge them...or ignore them.
Mar 22, 2023 09:02:22 #
When I had a problem with Google I could not find a way to contact them. I couldn't talk to a "Support Agent". I don't know of any law that says you have to show a picture ID to watch anything. It does sound like someone wants your info, like your driver's license number and birthdate. Personally, I don't think I would send them a thing.
Mar 22, 2023 09:02:47 #
Found this;
"If our systems are unable to establish that a viewer is above the age of 18, we will request that they provide a valid ID or credit card to verify their age." Google considers a valid ID as one issued by government, such as a driver's licence or passport.Mar 16, 2022
Perhaps this could be the reason? I have YouTubeTV and I've received no notice.
"If our systems are unable to establish that a viewer is above the age of 18, we will request that they provide a valid ID or credit card to verify their age." Google considers a valid ID as one issued by government, such as a driver's licence or passport.Mar 16, 2022
Perhaps this could be the reason? I have YouTubeTV and I've received no notice.
Mar 22, 2023 09:03:39 #
Next to Chinese owned TikTok, Google is the worse abuser of collecting and diseminating user information. Haven't used google for years.
Mar 22, 2023 09:27:20 #
leftj
Loc: Texas
tomc601 wrote:
Found this;
"If our systems are unable to establish that a viewer is above the age of 18, we will request that they provide a valid ID or credit card to verify their age." Google considers a valid ID as one issued by government, such as a driver's licence or passport.Mar 16, 2022
Perhaps this could be the reason? I have YouTubeTV and I've received no notice.
"If our systems are unable to establish that a viewer is above the age of 18, we will request that they provide a valid ID or credit card to verify their age." Google considers a valid ID as one issued by government, such as a driver's licence or passport.Mar 16, 2022
Perhaps this could be the reason? I have YouTubeTV and I've received no notice.
No - the reason is Phishing.
Mar 22, 2023 09:30:23 #
tomc601 wrote:
Found this;
"If our systems are unable to establish that a viewer is above the age of 18, we will request that they provide a valid ID or credit card to verify their age." Google considers a valid ID as one issued by government, such as a driver's licence or passport.Mar 16, 2022
Perhaps this could be the reason? I have YouTubeTV and I've received no notice.
"If our systems are unable to establish that a viewer is above the age of 18, we will request that they provide a valid ID or credit card to verify their age." Google considers a valid ID as one issued by government, such as a driver's licence or passport.Mar 16, 2022
Perhaps this could be the reason? I have YouTubeTV and I've received no notice.
Yea, I'm over 18, here's my credit card info to prove it..........
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