Bilibili's Mandatory Phone Verification Sparks Account Log-in Issues

Bilibili has recently rolled out a major update to its account security policies. Many users reported that accounts previously registered via email are now hitting a 'security risk' wall when trying to log into mobile games. The only way to bypass this is to bind a phone number via the web portal. Since the majority of these email-registered accounts are 'starter accounts' (mass-generated accounts used for rerolling), this move has severely impacted the black market for account selling.

Reports indicate that as early as the 22nd, some email accounts were already unable to access the Bilibili web version, though mobile games remained functional. However, the restrictions have now extended to all mobile game clients, causing a mass lockout of these 'starter accounts'.

Community reactions are divided. Some players argue that as a domestic platform, requiring phone verification is reasonable and helps clean up the environment from 'troll alt accounts' (small accounts used to incite conflict). Others compare it to the high barriers often found in Korean server games (often involving buying verified phone numbers). Some speculate the mass lockout was triggered by bot farms attempting to bulk-login, which tripped the platform's security mechanisms.