阿里小号要没了，又少一个保护隐私的盾牌

Core Viewpoint - The discontinuation of Alibaba's virtual phone service, Ali Xiaohao, has sparked significant backlash from users who value privacy over convenience, highlighting the challenges of user data protection in the digital age [1][5][9]. Group 1: Service Overview - Ali Xiaohao, launched in 2014, is a paid subscription service that provides privacy protection by allowing users to bind a virtual number to various platforms, forwarding messages to their real numbers [3][5]. - The service has gained popularity as a "privacy protection tool," but its discontinuation has created a massive inconvenience for users who now need to update their account information across multiple platforms [3][5]. Group 2: User Concerns - Users are particularly concerned about the implications of losing a service that shields them from spam and marketing messages, especially during high-traffic shopping events like Double 11 and 618 [5][9]. - The backlash is intensified by the fact that Ali Xiaohao is a paid service, indicating a dedicated user base that prioritizes privacy [5][9]. Group 3: Industry Context - The trend of using mobile numbers as primary identifiers for online accounts has become prevalent, driven by the need for real-name registration and enhanced security [6][7]. - However, this reliance on mobile numbers has led to increased risks of data breaches, as users are left vulnerable when their information is exposed [7][8]. Group 4: Implications of Discontinuation - The closure of Ali Xiaohao is part of a broader trend where similar services from other telecom operators have also been shut down due to misuse by malicious actors [9]. - The discontinuation raises questions about how users will protect themselves from spam and scams without such services, relying instead on the evolving algorithms of smartphone manufacturers [9].