Second App Launch in China by Google

Google’s Files Go app has now released in China, making it the company’s second China-specific app. As most Google products are still banned in the world’s largest smartphone market, this move is a big step towards gaining access into that market.

Thus, Files Go appearance in China marks a momentous occasion for the company. The app helps users free up storage and it was first developed by Google’s Next Billion program. The program is aimed at developing markets like India and Indonesia, where people still use low-end, cheaper smartphones. It gained global interest, making its expansion into China understandable on a technological front, but doesn’t diminish its social and political importance.

China began banning the company’s products in 2010, when Google did not want to comply to local laws by censoring search results. Chinese cyber regulators claimed the restrictions were set in place because Google’s philosophy did not align with the country’s ideals. Among the banned Google products are also the Play store, Gmail, and cloud storage services.

While Files Go could represent Google’s slow re-admission into the nation, it is currently launched on third-party Chinese app stores and only has a small number of users do far.