Yesterday, Android Security Lead Rich Cannings posted on the Android blog about using its ability to remotely remove apps from Android devices. This came shortly after a questionable report (widely deemed as inaccurate) discussed alleged security issues with Android apps.

Android didn’t exactly say the actions were related, but it didn’t take long for them to zap a couple of questionable apps that were put up by a researcher (with no malicious intent). More on that here.

The idea that Android actually has the ability to zap apps from people’s phones remotely came as news to some, and got others talking. "This isn’t the first time Google has wiped apps from users’ phones, although its the first we remember that has an accompanying blog post," noted Charlie Sorrel at Wired’s Gadget Lab. "While it is reassuring to know that Google is patrolling its App Store, its a little disturbing to know that your favorite, non-malicious app could disappear without your permission."

According to ThreatPost, Android also has the ability for Google to remotely install apps on devices.

It’s a good thing Google has that "do no evil" policy. That might not be good enough for everybody, however.