Android's Messages, Dialer apps quietly sent text, call info to Google

Discussed yesterday as well: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30751751

IME, this can be blocked with no effect on the performance of the app.

One can replace the default messages and dialer apps with ones from F-Droid. However, IME, such alternative apps may also attempt to lookup Google domains. NetGuard app can block these attempts.

The OpenContacts app on F-Droid purports to keep contacts isolated from "tech" company covert access via privacy-invasive apps such as Google's dialer app, WhatsApp, etc. According to NetGuard, OpenContacts from F-Droid makes no DNS lookups or HTTP requests.

Yesterday's discussion:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30751751