I have an idea of where you’re coming from. Security experts usually go hard on Android antivirus apps and I can’t blame them. The apps ask for too many permissions but it seems like it’s a necessary compromise since you either agree to it or don’t use any antivirus apps at all.

fyi, according to Exodify: Dr.Web Light has 2 trackers. Security Master has 10. Antivirus Free 2019 and Clean Master have 11. 360 Security has 12. Clean Master is also serviced by Cheetah Mobile who have developed a reputation for sleazy practices (highlighted by their buyout of ES Explorer several years ago).

There’s also a lot of info on Anti-virus programs essentially being spyware and data-harvesters. I don’t mean to come down too hard on your list (you write very useful articles) but there are some areas that deserve extra research. Even Dr.Web, with “only” two trackers requires permissions that leave a person’s head spinning. The others are even more daunting: including access to camera and microphone.

There’s a huge trust issue that these companies are not addressing. As end-users, we shouldn’t have to force companies to be forthcoming and transparent. We shouldn’t have to guess what they are doing behind our backs (it’s hardly ever good).