Verizon Wireless can apparently delete apps from a user’s phone

For those who weren’t aware, it seems that Verizon Wireless has the ability to enter user’s phones and delete apps that they don’t like. This is the first we’ve heard of it and we’re not sure how we feel about it.

According to DigitalTrends:

“Verizon is now issuing a series of updates to Android devices that disable the ability for the phones to tether or create mobile hotspots unless users pay $20 per month for the luxury. In addition, the company is removing unauthorized tethering apps from users phones.”

It also seems that there are several HTC Thunderbolt owners who have experienced this, which seems like a major breach and invasion of privacy. Any other Verizon customers out there who might have discovered several apps missing on their phone out of the blue?