A New Anonymous Phone Carrier Lets You Sign Up With Nothing but a Zip Code

The article discusses the launch of Phreeli, a new phone company that promises to provide anonymity and privacy to its customers. The company's founder, Nick Merrill, has a long history of fighting against surveillance powers and has been involved in several high-profile cases, including a 21-year-long battle against the FBI over a National Security Letter (NSL) that was sent to him.

Merrill's vision for Phreeli is to create a phone company where every phone is a "burner" phone, meaning that no one keeps track of who owns which phone or has access to its personal data. This approach is seen as a departure from the usual telecom business model, which focuses on collecting and selling personal data to third parties.

Phreeli's encryption system, called Double-Blind Armadillo, uses cutting-edge cryptography to protect users' identities and payment information. The company also plans to block spammers and robocallers by limiting how many calls and texts users are allowed.

Merrill believes that this approach will help create a culture of privacy in the phone industry, where users feel comfortable keeping their personal data private without sacrificing convenience or functionality. He argues that the current system has become too intrusive, with companies selling "an apartment that comes with no curtains" - where customers have no control over what information is collected about them.

The article highlights Merrill's commitment to fighting surveillance powers and his determination to create a phone company that truly puts users' privacy first. While some critics may view Phreeli as a niche product for tech-savvy individuals, others see it as an opportunity to change the way the phone industry approaches data collection and user protection.

Overall, the article presents Phreeli as a promising alternative to traditional telecom companies that prioritize profits over user security and privacy. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, companies like Phreeli will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of online communication and data protection.

omg I'm SO hyped about Phreeli launching their new phone service!!! they're totally changing the game by making anonymity & privacy the norm! I mean, can you imagine having a phone that's not tracked by anyone? it's like, the ultimate freedom! and the encryption system Double-Blind Armadillo sounds imo Nick Merrill is a total hero for standing up against surveillance powers and fighting for users' rights . I'm low-key obsessed with this idea of "burner" phones where no one knows who owns what . it's like, the future is now!

I'm low-key hyped about Phreeli's launch , you know? I've been saying it for ages - our phones should be like our own personal "burner" , not some surveillance tool for the telecom giants . And yeah, Nick Merrill's a hero in my book , going toe-to-toe with the FBI and all that jazz . It's about time someone took on the system and said enough is enough . I mean, who needs all that personal data anyway? Not me, that's for sure . The fact that Phreeli's encryption system is like, actually super secure , just blows my mind. Can't wait to see how this plays out in the long run . One thing's for sure - the phone industry needs a shake-up !

Just heard about this new phone company Phreeli and I'm actually kinda intrigued ... been feeling super paranoid about my phone data being sold to who-knows-who, so a "burner" phone concept sounds kinda refreshing https://www.theverge.com/2025/2/10/...pany-anonymity-privacy-double-blind-armadillo

I'm totally stoked about this new phone company, Phreeli ! It's about time someone stepped up and said we deserve better than our personal info being sold to the highest bidder like it's nothing . Nick Merrill's been fighting the good fight for years, and it's awesome to see him bring his vision to life.

I mean, think about it – every phone is a "burner" phone? No one keeps track of who owns which phone or has access to its personal data? It's like, what's the worst that could happen if your phone gets lost or stolen? I'm not saying it's not a concern, but come on, let's be real – we're all used to living with this kind of risk.

And the encryption system? Double-Blind Armadillo is like something out of a sci-fi movie . It's cutting-edge cryptography that'll keep our identities and payment info safe from prying eyes. And blocking spammers and robocallers? That's just basic human decency .

I love how Merrill sees this as creating a culture of privacy in the phone industry. We need more people speaking up about this stuff – it's time for us to take back control over our personal data. Let's see if Phreeli can make a real difference and change the game

I'm low-key excited about this new phone company, but also kinda skeptical . I mean, who needs all that extra security and privacy anyway? It's just gonna be another thing for hackers to exploit, right? But at the same time, it's refreshing to see someone like Nick Merrill trying to shake things up in the industry.

I'm all about convenience and functionality, but not at the cost of my personal data . I'd love to use a phone that doesn't track me every move, but it's hard to trust anyone when they're constantly pushing for more information. I guess only time will tell if Phreeli can make this model work without being too restrictive .

And honestly, the "burner" phone idea is kinda genius - no one would ever think to try and track down me if I just had a random phone that's not tied to any personal account. I'd be like a ghost!

Phreeli's approach is kinda genius - I mean who needs all that personal info anyway? It's about time we take back control over our own data . Nick Merrill's been through hell and back with the FBI, but he's still fighting for what's right . This could be a game-changer for the phone industry... or at least make people think twice before selling their personal info to the highest bidder .

I'm low-key impressed with this whole Phreeli thing ... they're really trying to flip the script on how phone companies collect data from us. I mean, who wouldn't want a phone that doesn't track their every move or sell their info to the highest bidder? It's about time someone took on the big players and said "nope, we won't be used for your profit". The whole burner phone concept is genius, it's like they're giving us control back . Plus, the encryption system sounds super secure, I'm not exactly a tech expert but even I can tell that's some serious cryptography . It's cool to see someone like Nick Merrill who's willing to take on these big corps and fight for our rights as consumers.

I'm not sure if I love this idea or hate it lol . On one hand, who doesn't want their personal info protected from prying eyes? It's about time some company takes a stand against these big corps collecting our data like it's going out of style . But on the other hand, isn't this just another way for companies to make money? Like, if no one keeps track of who owns the phone, how do they even know who to send bills to? And what about all the legit companies that need access to customer info to solve crimes or stuff? I guess we'll just have to see how Phreeli's Double-Blind Armadillo thing works out .

idk about this new phreeli thing...seems like they're trying to do the right thing but might be too restrictive for normal ppl .i mean who wants to give up their phone's info just cuz it's "secure"?? i get that surveillance can be a problem but whats wrong with just having some control over ur own data?! its like giving up all ur freedom just cuz u wanna feel secure

OMG I'm so down for this new phone company ! Like, having a "burner" phone where no one keeps track of who owns it sounds like something out of a spy movie . But seriously, I think it's about time someone stood up to the surveillance powers and said "enough is enough". I mean, who wants to feel like they're living in a Truman Show ? As a student, I'm always worried about my personal data being compromised, so this is like music to my ears . Phreeli's approach might be a bit niche for some people, but I think it's a game-changer for those of us who value our online security and privacy. Fingers crossed they can make it work!

Just what we need more options for people who actually care about their personal info I'm glad someone's stepping up to offer an alternative to those companies that just want to sell our data to the highest bidder. The whole "burner phone" concept is genius, let's see if it really works out in practice I do worry about Phreeli getting caught up in some kind of regulatory mess, but at least they're trying to put users first for a change . It's about time we saw more companies prioritizing our security and privacy over their own profits

man, i think its about time we have a phone company that puts us first instead of just trying to sell our data phreeli seems like a game changer for people who are worried about their privacy online, especially with all the news about governments and companies snooping on us nick merrill's commitment to fighting surveillance powers is really inspiring and i love that he's not afraid to take on the big players in the telecom industry it would be awesome if more companies followed his lead and started prioritizing user security and privacy, not just profits

I think it's awesome that someone's finally taking on the big telecom companies . I mean, who needs all those annoying ads and tracking cookies when you can have a phone company that actually cares about your private life? Double-Blind Armadillo sounds like some top-notch encryption tech - I hope it's not just hype . The idea of a "burner" phone is so refreshing, like having a phone that's all yours without anyone else knowing . I'm definitely gonna keep an eye on Phreeli and see how it goes down the line . It's about time we had some real competition in the market, you know?

just saw this news about phreeli sounds legit to me, gotta try it out if they're really serious about no surveillance lol https://www.wired.com/story/phreeli-privacy-phone-company/

I'm low-key skeptical about this whole thing... think there's more to it than just a company wanting to be all cool and private . Nick Merrill seems legit, but what's really driving him? Is he being backed by some deep-pocketed organization trying to shape the industry from behind the scenes? And what's with the "burner" phone thing? Sounds like they're trying to sell us a narrative that we need a separate phone just for private stuff. I mean, can't we just have one phone and be in control of our own data?

I'm so down for a phone company that actually cares about users' privacy . I mean, think about it - we're already living in an era where our every move is tracked and monitored... it's time someone puts a stop to all this Big Brother stuff . Phreeli's approach sounds like just what the doctor ordered: no more pesky ads, no more spam calls, and no more data being sold to whoever has the most gold .

But at the same time, I'm also kinda curious to see how this whole thing plays out... will it be too restrictive for regular folks? Will users have to deal with some kind of weird, complicated setup to get all the security features . Still, Nick Merrill's passion and dedication are inspiring - we need more people like him fighting for what's right .

One thing I would say is that this feels a bit like a nostalgic dream come true... remember when phones were actually just for calling and texting? No social media, no online shopping, no constant notifications... it's like the good old days . Of course, I'm not saying we should go back to that, but Phreeli's approach does make me wanna stick with my trusty flip phone . Maybe I'm just a relic of the past, but hey, who doesn't love a good retro vibe?

can we really expect major change if ppl dont start demanding it from their carriers? its crazy how some folks have been fightin this battle for 21 yrs... nick merrill is a true hero, but lets not forget theres still so many out there like him who r silently strugglin against the surveillance state

I'm low-key hyped about Phreeli's launch ! The idea of having a "burner" phone where no one knows who owns what is SO refreshing . I mean, who doesn't want to have control over their personal data anymore? It's like having a private island that only you can access .

I love how Nick Merrill is standing up for users' rights and fighting against surveillance powers . The whole "an apartment that comes with no curtains" analogy is genius . I'm all about this new approach to data collection where users are prioritized over profits.

Phreeli's Double-Blind Armadillo encryption system sounds like some next-level tech . And blocking spammers and robocallers? That's just the cherry on top . Can't wait to see how this plays out in the market!

lol i think ppl r getting too worked up about this new phreeli thingy... they're tryna make a difference in the way telecoms collect & sell our info anyway, nick merrill's all about breakin the mold here - instead of just sellin us out to 3rd parties, he's creatin a system where ur data stays locked away and it's not like ppl haven't been clamourin for more privacy online for ages... i think phreeli's a step in the right direction now if only other companies would follow suit