If Parler really cares about internet freedom, they shouldn’t save your real identity. I think GAB is the real way to go, Parler is not.
Do you really think Parler has any choice when CIA requests your identity when they purge active Trump supporters?
Verification is optional on Parler. You just miss out on a verified user badge.
But seriously, it does not matter.
Registration requires a phone number, and before you are registered you need a texted code to continue. How is that optional?
Sounds like they changed it then. When I signed up I don’t recall having to provide a phone number as a requirement (it’s been a long time, so my memory could be faulty)