Interesting bit of news floating around today… it turns out Google has the ability to remotely uninstall applications from android devices. I believe they are using this functionality to reduce the impact of malicious applications, so if a developer was to go rouge, they could pull the offending app from the market as well as uninstall the malicious content from everyone who installed it. What I wonder about though, does Google have the power to remove applications that were side-loaded, and not downloaded from the market? Also, what would happen if the app they are removing was a paid app, would the users get a refund?

“The remote application removal feature is one of many security controls Android possesses to help protect users from malicious applications. In case of an emergency, a dangerous application could be removed from active circulation in a rapid and scalable manner to prevent further exposure to users. While we hope to not have to use it, we know that we have the capability to take swift action on behalf of users’ safety when needed.” – Rich Cannings, Android Security Leader

[Source]

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