I recently asked the /c/Android community what information Google has access to on stock Android, assuming the user is not using any Google apps, and was told Google has full “unstoppable” access to the entire device, including Signal messages, the microphone, duckduckgo search history and anything displayed on the screen at all times.
Does this mean that encrypted messaging is essentially pointless to use on Android? I’m a newb here so go easy on me.
I will leave just this info here
Technical Data
Subject of Investigation: Google Play Services
Number of Permissions: 277
Operating System: Android 4.4.2 and above
List of Permissions
3.1. Automotive Systems Control
Access to data and control of vehicle components via Android Auto/CarPlay:
3.2. User Interface Manipulation
3.3. “Chimera” Component
System component of undetermined purpose.
3.4. SMS Management
Complete control of text messaging functions:
3.5. Root-Level System Privileges
Complete device control at root-access level.
3.6. Application Data Access
3.7. USB Management
Control of USB connections and data transfer.
3.8. Identifier Access
Access to all system and user device identifiers.
3.9. Screen Lock Management
Disabling keyguard (screen lock system).
3.10. Mail Services Access
3.11. Network Function Management
3.12. Wi-Fi Management
3.13. Audio Recording
3.14. Geolocation
Complete control of location functions:
3.15. Payment Information Transmission
Sending payment data without specified recipient restrictions.
3.16. Camera Control
Access to device camera.
3.17. Telephony Function Management
3.18. Permission Management
Manipulation of other applications’ permissions:
3.19. Device Lock Management
3.20. Biometric Authentication
Complete control of biometric identification systems:
3.21. Notification Management
Manipulation of system notifications:
3.22. Telephony Function Access
3.23. Bluetooth Management
Control of Bluetooth connections.
3.24. Security Key Management
Google Play Services is one of many pre-installed Google system components. A standard Android installation contains 30-50 additional Google applications with similar or complementary permission sets.