Nice to have that additional option, however I have always used Lookout on my Android phones. Constantly scans phone and all apps for viruses & malware and if lost, will lock phone and locate.

The issue with Play Protect, as I understand it, is it's constantly reporting data back. Although this is going on anyway to some extent via Android itself, I like to have the illusion of control to avoid it if possible.

Chrome's safe browsing feature has been in place for a while and I have it enabled. I see those red warnings now and then.

Wondering what, if any, features can be controlled or shut off... seeing as how we have no choice since it will be included the next time Google Play is updated.

I like the fact that it will continue to scan apps *before* I download them from Google Play (unlike Lookout that scans them *as* they are downloaded) but as I said, I don't want it sending home my data. I like my data.

It'll have to phone home if it's going to work. Android has always done that. I usually remove apps that are too intensive, but it won't be possible with this.
I'll have to hope that the benefits outweigh the overhead.