That Google popups are so annoying, they often cover the content, I wonder does Google pay websites for this or they annoy users for free?

Also I don't understand who registers Google Accounts these days because every time I try to do this, they show a QR code and require to scan it with a mobile device, and I don't have time now to set up a virtual machine and research what it does to a mobile device and how one can bypass the check.

Also if you buy a Google Account it eventually requires linking a phone number, and doesn't accept most of the Russian numbers I buy.

So I don't understand how do other people sign up when there are so many obstacles. It is easier just to register email account elsewhere.

You don't sound like the average user.

They either already have a gmail, or sign up for one my scanning the QR code you mention. I don't recall if a phone number is mandatory, but the average user probably has one, doesn't mind giving it to Google (to not lose access to their account if they forget their password is a perfectly valid reason for most people). And they'll probably not provide one from a sanctioned terrorist state with a reputation of nefarious cyber activities. Like buying Google Accounts, but much worse too.

Well, Android is the largest phone ecosystem in the world. Most of those phones ask you to sign in with your Google account when it first starts.