Nobody uses the word that way. You give HN the ability to use all user-contributed data. Nobody would say HN is paywalled.

It's true that the companies wouldn't want you to use the word "pay", but that's what it is.

When you register at HN you know that they need some data to manage your user account, for the same reason cookie banners aren't needed if all of a site's cookies are required for it to function. A dishwasher doesn't need a wifi connection or data to clean dishes, and if it's not clearly advertised before purchase that's effectively a hidden cost.

Perhaps nobody uses the word like that so far, but if enough people did it probably would turn out better for the consumer.