Per one tech forum 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. To do this, navigate to 'Settings’ > 'Apps’, then delete the application.”
This is incorrect. It’s installed silently via a background OTA. It’s never installed purposefully through the google play store.
It’s not installed with OTA, but through Play Services. I use microG and never will have any issue with apps auto-installing.