Google Play Services is an application that runs in the background of an Android-powered device. It is used to update applications from the Google Play store, as well as Google's own apps. It also handles other core functions, like authentication between a device and Google's services, contact synchronisation and more.

Though the process isn't spyware per-se, some users believe that it meets many of the definitions of such software, as it reports information on usage and location, and is very difficult to remove without breaking core functionality of your phone. However, the software poses no obvious risks to your personal data like malicious software would, other than collecting your location data.

This application handles a number of core processes that Android devices strongly require. It underpins functions within Google's game services, the Google Maps navigation system, updates for downloaded and native applications, and location-based service support, which is heavily used in the smartphone industry. It is also required for other core Android services, such as Google Pay.