Google silently links your phone number to every account on Android

Google has been automatically verifying Android users' phone numbers and linking them to every Google account signed in on the device without asking for consent. The feature is opt-out by default and can be disabled in Google settings, though already linked numbers must be removed manually.

• Google sends verification emails without requesting user consent
• The number is added to all accounts on the device, including future ones
• Disable it under Settings > Google > All services > Privacy & security
• Turning it off does not unlink numbers already associated