Google Play Store For China Could Be Kept Separate [Rumor]

Due to issues with China’s laws and regulations, Google withdrew their app store from China back in 2010. However given how big the Chinese market is, and with Chinese OEMs like Huawei and Xiaomi rising quickly through the ranks, it was reported several months ago that Google might be interested in bringing back the Play Store to the country.

It was suggested at that time the Play Store could be heavily censored to comply with China’s laws, but now more details about Google’s plans have surfaced. According to a report from Reuters, it has been suggested that Google’s Play Store in China could be kept separate from the Play Stores around the world.

We suppose this makes sense as Google would then only allow apps that comply with China’s regulations, as opposed to having to constantly check whether apps are up to par and also to block apps that might have an issue in the country. That being said this could also cause problems like fragmentation, but that would be the cost of doing business in the country.

When asked about Google’s plans, a Singapore-based Google spokesman declined to comment. Take it with a grain of salt for now, but what do you guys think of an isolated Google Play Store for China? Good idea or bad?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Cellphones, Rumors
Tags: Android, Apps, China, Google