Files by Google gets new encrypted Safe Folder, here’s how it works

Google says its Files by Google has now 150 million monthly users around the world. The application has helped save over 400 petabytes of space on users, equivalent of 1,400 years of non-stop HD video recording.

Files by Google adds PIN protection (Google)

Google has rolled out a new update for its popular ‘Files by Google' application. The latest update brings a new Safe folder within the app. The folder can be furthered secured by setting up for four-digit PIN, akin to your smartphone passcode.

Google says that the folder is encrypted and automatically locks in the background when you switch to another application. When you re-open the folder, it will ask you the PIN for verification.

Google hopes the new feature will help women and children from accidentally giving away private data to someone else.

Google further revealed that Files by Google is currently used by 150 million monthly users around the world. The application had launched in 2017 with an objective to help users with low-end phones which do not have enough storage.

Since the release, Files by Google has deleted over 1 trillion files, which would have taken a user more than 30,000 years to manually delete. The company claims the application has helped save over 400 petabytes of space on users, an equivalent of 1,400 years of non-stop HD video recording. It also said that the application has helped remove 12GB of space every space which is about 5,000 photos per second.

Google's Safe Folder feature is available to beta for Files by Google users. The company will gradually expand its availability to more users over the following weeks.