Core Viewpoint - Alibaba's virtual phone number service, Ali Small Number, is set to be completely shut down by October 31, 2023, due to ongoing security issues and user concerns regarding privacy and safety [1][2][10]. Group 1: Service Overview - Ali Small Number, launched in 2014, provided users with a virtual phone number that did not require a SIM card, allowing for calls and SMS, thus protecting users' privacy [6][8]. - The service gained popularity due to its low cost, with promotional offers such as 20 yuan for a year, making it an attractive option for users concerned about privacy [6][8]. Group 2: User Reactions - The announcement of the shutdown sparked significant discussion on forums like V2EX, with users expressing feelings of loss and frustration, as many had their social accounts linked to the service [4][5][16]. - Users reported difficulties in remembering all the platforms they had linked to their Ali Small Number, raising concerns about potential loss of account access [17][19]. Group 3: Security Concerns - The shutdown is attributed to persistent security issues, including reports of spam and harassment linked to the use of virtual numbers, which have been a growing concern since the service's inception [10][13]. - The service faced scrutiny from regulatory bodies due to increasing complaints about spam messages and harassment calls, leading to its eventual decline [13][14]. Group 4: User Guidance - Users are advised to manually change their linked accounts before the service ceases, as the official guidance on how to manage these changes has been limited [20][21]. - Some users have attempted to retrieve information about their linked accounts through various methods, but many have found these efforts to be largely unsuccessful [23][25].