[Zak]

Some time ago, I used a module for Xposed on Android called XPrivacy which did exactly that. Yes, creepy app, you can have my location. It's Antarctica.

It does look like Xposed has successors, but my current approach is to just be selective about installing apps.

[lsaferite]

I use netguard and forbid network access by default for all apps. Mildly annoying for apps that need network access as I have to approve, but it's worth it.

[ghtbircshotbe]

The vast majority of apps need to use the network, at least sometimes. Eg turning network on to download podcasts then off to listen to them is annoying.

[lsaferite]

Depends on what apps you are installing. I love denying access to the network for games. It removes almost all ads from them. Even beyond full deny access, NetGuard gives you a lot around the conditions in which an app can access the network. I'd prefer if I didn't have to do any of this and the OS was on my side though.