2 Android Spyware ? (SafetyCore and ContactKeys) by Google

ContactKeys
::: spoiler PlayStore Review :
This app installed without my permission. There is barely any info about what this app is for. I have all my settings turned off so it asks my permission before downloading anything, and this app still manage to get installed without consent. This is a very shady thing to do. This and another 2 apps also from google (e.g. SafetyCore) that just installed without permission. If my settings mean nothing, this is very worrying. No heads up, nothing.
:::
135 people found this review helpful
.
Released on : 2025 Jan 28
Downloads : 1,000,000,000+
... is it a tool for Google to replace or control encryption keys used in applications ?

---

Google’s ‘Secret’ Update Scans All Your Photos
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/02/26/google-starts-scanning-your-photos-without-any-warning/
from post :
https://lemmy.world/comment/15360201

::: spoiler also in the Forbes article :
Per one tech forum (
https://gbatemp.net/threads/psa-to-all-android-users-google-quietly-installs-spyware-on-android-devices.667542/

GBAtemp.net - The Independent Video Game Community
)
this week: “Google has quietly installed an app on all Android devices called ‘Android System SafetyCore’. It claims to be a ‘security’ application, but whilst running in the background, it collects call logs, contacts, location, your microphone, and much more making this application ‘spyware’ and a HUGE privacy concern. It is strongly advised to uninstall this program if you can. ::: ... →
Remove the following 2 spywares :
1).
Android System SafetyCore : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.safetycore
2).
Android System Key Verifier : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.contactkeys

---

Prevent installation of 1) SafetyCore :

@Smc87@lemmy.sdf.org
https://lemmy.world/comment/15345614
:

::: spoiler outdated v2.0 :
.
https://github.com/daboynb/Safetycore-placeholder/releases/download/v2.0/

...Safetycore-placeholder(dot)apk
:::
.
v3.0 now available :
https://github.com/daboynb/Safetycore-placeholder/releases/tag/v3.0
.