Malwarebytes now requires Google play store to link an account. Anonymity is slowly becoming a thing of the past. NordVPN also requires Google play store if the app detects an update but credit to them they have the option to side load thereafter all update are done in app.
I used Aurora store for my secondary device so it's not really linked to anything. Oh well welcome to the new world.
I purchased Malwarebytes from eBay last month activating today. Works a treat.