I knew about the images being uploaded but then again I followed the announcement. I was one of the key "features" of the app and Google+ working together to make it more simple to share photos. They all get uploaded to a private area only you can see, then it's up to you to share them out.
I understand your concern that even though they are "private" now Google has a copy.
I believe it's turned off by default. (I don't have an Android phone) Here is the page in their help docs...
http://www.google.com/support/profiles/bin/static.py?page=guide.cs&guide=1257351&answer=1304818