Business networking site LinkedIn has launched a Chinese version, attempting to tap the huge market while navigating a strict censorship regime that has seen other foreign social media giants banned. <\/p>\n
China has the world's largest online community with more than 618 million users. But its so-called Great Firewall blocks any online forums or content deemed sensitive, and it has barred access to Facebook and Twitter for several years. <\/p>\n
Foreign tech giants must abide by strict rules to operate in the country. While the Chinese version of LinkedIn allows users to post public comments, unlike its English-language counterpart it does not currently allow group discussions. <\/p>\n
LinkedIn has pledged to be limited and open about its compliance. <\/p>\n
\"As a condition for operating in the country, the government of China imposes censorship requirements on internet platforms,\" chief executive Jeff Weiner said in a statement on its website. <\/p>\n
Weiner promised that \"government restrictions on content will be implemented only when and to the extent required\" and that it \"will be transparent about how it conducts business in China\". <\/p>\n
\"LinkedIn strongly supports freedom of expression and fundamentally disagrees with government censorship. At the same time, we also believe that LinkedIn's absence in China would deny Chinese professionals a means to connect with others on our global platform,\" he said. <\/p>\n
The company, which targets working professionals on the job market, said it was targeting more than 140 million Chinese users -- nearly half its existing 277 million global members. <\/p>\n
Its English-language version has been available in China for more than a decade, attracting four million users, the statement said. <\/p>\n
British-based technology site theregister.co.uk was dismissive, saying: \"In a nutshell, Weiner and co decided a censored LinkedIn would still be more beneficial for China's business professional than no LinkedIn at all\". <\/p>\n
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Read the original here: Business networking site LinkedIn has launched a Chinese version, attempting to tap the huge market while navigating a strict censorship regime that has seen other foreign social media giants banned. China has the world's largest online community with more than 618 million users. But its so-called Great Firewall blocks any online forums or content deemed sensitive, and it has barred access to Facebook and Twitter for several years Continue reading
\nLinkedIn launches China version<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"