These services are a good because sometimes you need to access some information in social networks, which is available only after registration. So what other choices you have? And they often do not even allow registration from desktop:

- Google requires to scan QR code with a phone to create an account

- Facebook requires a 3D face scan

- VK requires to use mobile application

- Telegram requires to use mobile application

Desktop now feels like untrusted, shady device, used mostly by cybercriminals. Especially of you use Linux and enable "fingerprinting resistance" option.

> To register a new account, online platforms require SMS (Short Message Service) verification

Incorrect, see above.

> A fake Facebook account registered in Russia can post about the US elections

Facebook is blocked in Russia though.

As for spam problems, require payment to add new contacts above the limit, and disable messaging to non-contacts. Or restrict messaging based on country/city (so that messaging to a different country is paid).

> The average price of SMS verification for an online platform during the year-long study period running to July 2025 was ... just a fraction of that in the US ($0.26), UK ($0.10) and Russia ($0.08).

That's outdated. With new Russian legislation, most platforms removed support for Russian phone numbers, so now you cannot even find a service that allows to receive SMS to a Russian number. Futhermore, if you Google such services, it seems that they use the same provider because all of them do not have any working Russian numbers.

> Facebook is blocked in Russia though.

I doubt that stops the IRA tbh

> As for spam problems, require payment to add new contacts above the limit, and disable messaging to non-contacts. Or restrict messaging based on country/city (so that messaging to a different country is paid).

This just a) increases the costs for attackers, which don't actually stop them; and b) means the poor amongst a population will be limited in who they can talk to. Very convenient, that. Don't want your peasants talking to citizens from other countries.

>And they often do not even allow registration from desktop:

You probably have a super suspicious browser fingerprint and/or IP reputation and they're using those measures as a mitigation without denying outright. Use a normie browser and a normal internet connection and account creation works fine.