Overview
- Researchers published a peer‑reviewed Science paper and launched the Cambridge Online Trust and Safety Index on Dec 11, providing daily prices across 197 countries and more than 500 platforms.
- API data from SMSActivate, 5Sim, SMShub, and SMSPVA show many verifications cost a few cents, with Japan near $5 and Australia around $3 where SIMs are pricier and more regulated.
- Platform costs vary sharply, with a U.S. number for WhatsApp around $3 versus about $0.08 for X, reflecting stricter vetting on messaging apps according to the authors.
- Prices for Telegram and WhatsApp rise ahead of national elections, signaling surges in demand for locally registered accounts during politically sensitive periods.
- WhatsApp said it welcomed the research and cited additional signals beyond phone numbers, while SMSPVA rejected the 'gray market' label; authors propose curbing bulk SIM acquisition and warn providers may tighten API access.