Comment by immibis

Fax is an accepted GDPR-compliant form of "secure" communication. Yes, many service providers need to ascertain your identity. In my experience, passport photo verification is normal at Hetzner, Hetzner is very aware that not everyone wants to meet the requirements for their service, and they will happily refund you if you decide not to proceed.

This passport verification is required in Germany for any Internet connection. You need to do the same if you sign up for a cellphone plan in Germany. It's a surveillance state.