An employee walks past the logo of Google in front of its former headquarters in Beijing
IN PHOTO: An employee walks past the logo of Google in front of its former headquarters, in Beijing June 2, 2011. Hackers who broke into Google's Gmail system had access to some accounts for many months and could have been planning a more serious attack, said the cyber-security expert who first publicly revealed the incident. Picture taken June 2, 2011. Reuters/Jason Lee

Sony offered the Interview last Christmas Eve earning around $15 million in four days. Likewise, rent and purchase figures went beyond 2 million from December 24 to 27. This makes the movie the most successful of its online releases so far. To top it off the movie also earned an additional $2.85 million more from independent North American theaters during the four-day holiday weekend. Sony did not say how many purchases or rentals took up.

According to Quartz, the company processed around 2 million video-on-demand transactions. Despite being a breakthrough success, The Interview forecast remains gloomy for the company. As commendable as it is for attracting 2 million users for the VOD, there are still remnants of its hacking scandal.

This gives internet outlets like Google the win. Google's YouTube Movies and Google Play comprised majority of the sales. Google also earned big in exposure especially because other VOD platforms like iTunes did not offer access to the film. Google was able to take advantage of the situation which would have made Netflix the big hero if it offered streaming first.

As successful as Google appears to be with the release of The Interview, it may stand, to lose more following China's move against its Gmail service. According to Reuters, China blocked Gmail following a series of disruptive months.

This now poses a huge a loss for the biggest email service in the world. China cut off a huge number of Gmail addresses via GreatFire.org. A member of the organization explained: "I think the government is just trying to further eliminate Google's presence in China and even weaken its market overseas."

The member also added: "Imagine if Gmail users might not get through to Chinese clients. Many people outside China might be forced to switch away from Gmail." Previously, Google issued a Transparency Report revealing a sharp decline in Gmail traffic from China.

Email: p.silva@ibtimes.com.au