Comment by codedokode

Every website is required by law to do phone verification or use other method that confirms real identity (for example, auth through government services website or biometric data). As for social networks like Vk, they require a phone number since long ago before the law changed.

Also a phone number verification is needed if you want to connect to free WiFi in a subway or a bus or a train. Foreign phone numbers are often not supported in this case.