SafetyNet is the name of Google’s tamper protection thingy. Basically, if it’s not a trusted chain, safety net won’t pass.

This doesn’t impact phone functionality, but some apps check for this and refuse to work if it’s not passing. Google Pay is one of the more well-known examples. Some other banking apps will also check for it. Oddly enough, Pokemon Go also used to (not sure if it still does).

Doesn’t that invalidate safety net?

because I refuse to consume any of it

I guarantee you already have and didn’t notice.

There’s a philosophical argument to be made for sure, and I’d probably even agree with you. But the reality is that the technology is here, and it’ll be used in pursuit of the almighty buck.