I have a 14 year old YouTube channel that was linked to a Google account but it uses a Hotmail Address. I know the password but it keeps asking for 2FA phone number, I made the account years ago so obviously I don't have the number or even know what that number is! Without number it says open another device with that account, I don't have have one since its 14 years old!
I only lost access recently, I thought this YouTube was tied to actual my Gmail but it turns out I was only brand manager and I lost access when trying to merge them. Ironic this all happened because I actually wanted to give them money for YouTube Premium and now losing my channel of 14 years makes me not want to use the platform at all. Is my account lost forever since Google offer zero support?
It's absolutely insane that we're at the mercy of the likes of google for what is de-facto a requirement for life. Paying for it at something like proton-mail does not change the fact that you've got pretty much no legal right to get your access restored in a timely fashion.
This is vital infrastructure, and it should be offered and run by the state. I'm fine with people opting not to use it, I'd be fine with people paying extra for it over tag. But damn I hate the current situation.