We know Google gathers data whenever we use its apps and services. Major news outlets have made the problem pretty clear over the past decade or so. However, according to a user on Reddit, it looks like Google Play Services is verifying the phone numbers on your device and associating them with any and all Google accounts on that same device (via Android Authority).
There is no warning or heads-up. Google is apparently doing this without any kind of prompt. While on the surface, this doesn't seem like a big deal, just Google adding another layer of security. You can easily see where this can create a problem when it comes to privacy.
It all ends up in the same place
For example, if you have personal, work, and maybe an anonymous account on your phone, you do this to keep each account in its own separate space. So, what's happening, or has been happening, is that Google automatically associates your phone number with each account, and then all your accounts are now somewhat tied together.
This doesn't mean you'll see data across accounts, but because this one piece of data is shared, it creates an active link that clearly shows each account is associated with you. That's not exactly what you want, especially if you didn't authorize it. The good news is you can take steps to clear this up and prevent it from happening again.
It takes some work, but in the end, those who are concerned will go through the motions to get it done. First, you'll want to turn off the automatic sync option for your phone number. This can be found in the app, Google, and All services menu. Within the settings, you'll find the Phone number verification option.
Next, go to your Google account, open the Personal info section, and go to to see if any numbers are stored that you can delete. If you see anything that shouldn't be there, remove it. It's a lot of work, but you'll want to do this with any and all Google accounts that you have.
Not surprising in the least
Personally, I don't even find this surprising anymore. And neither should anyone who uses any Google product. We know Google and other companies collect data from pretty much any app or service we use. It's been like this for years. Maybe if this kind of news came out 10 or 15 years ago, I'd be shocked.
But in 2026, it's a given that this type of stuff is happening. It doesn't make it right, but I no longer feel the outrage I once did. I'd love a world where my data is being mined for insight, but the reality is that will never happen. The Reddit user even shares that this same issue happened on a GrapheneOS device.