Google and the Chinese government haven’t exactly had the best relationship, with China trying to censor most of Google’s offerings, including Google search, Gmail, and more. It would appear that Google’s Android Market is now blocked in China.
According to a recent report, market.android.com has now been blocked in China, which would mean that Chinese Android fans will no longer be able to download apps from the Android Market.
Historical Context of Google’s Issues in China
Although this isn’t the first time that the Android Market has been blocked in China, as there are reports of this happening back in 2009. The relationship between Google and China has been fraught with tension for over a decade. In 2010, Google famously decided to stop censoring its search results in China, leading to the eventual shutdown of Google.cn. This move was a response to cyber-attacks and the Chinese government’s stringent censorship policies. The blocking of the Android Market is just another chapter in this ongoing saga.
Impact on Chinese Users and Developers
The blocking of the Android Market has significant implications for both users and developers in China. For users, this means limited access to a wide range of applications that are available on the global Android Market. Many popular apps, including social media platforms, productivity tools, and games, will be out of reach. This could push users towards alternative app stores, some of which may not have the same level of security and quality control as the official Android Market.
For developers, the block presents a substantial hurdle. Chinese app developers aiming to reach a global audience often rely on the Android Market to distribute their apps. With this avenue blocked, they may have to resort to other, less effective means of distribution, potentially limiting their market reach and revenue.
It isn’t clear as yet whether the blocking of the Android Market in China is a temporary measure or something that will continue for the foreseeable future. The Chinese government has a history of implementing such blocks without prior notice and without providing a clear timeline for when, or if, the block will be lifted.
The situation also raises questions about the future of other Google services in China. If the Android Market can be blocked so abruptly, it sets a precedent for other services like Google Play, Google Drive, and even YouTube to face similar fates. This uncertainty makes it challenging for both users and developers to plan for the future.
In the meantime, Chinese users and developers will have to navigate this complex landscape, seeking alternative solutions to meet their needs. Some may turn to VPNs to bypass the block, although this comes with its own set of risks and challenges, given the Chinese government’s crackdown on VPN usage.
Source TNW, Gadgetsteria
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