But, yeah. Not the same. People have always (or for my lifetime, anyway) had the option of excluding their address or first name from a phone book listing, or having a completely unlisted number. That's pretty important for anyone dealing with a stalker or abusive ex, or for public figures or those whose jobs make them a target of harassment or threats. I've heard of people in the US who don't vote because they're afraid of their contact information reaching a stalker via voters' lists.

And these days the majority of people don't have a listed number at all. Just because it used to be normal doesn't mean it should be accepted today. As technology has enabled mass fraud & spam, mass distribution of contact information has become a problem for everyone.

@senanthic except people have always been able to have unlisted numbers or exclude their address and even use just an initial. Everyone should sign him up for some junk mail.