Microsoft shutting down LinkedIn in China, to offer new app

Microsoft announced on Thursday that it would discontinue LinkedIn in China amid increased censorship.

“We’re also facing a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China,” a statement published on LinkedIn said. “Given this, we’ve made the decision to sunset the current localized version of LinkedIn, which is how people in China access LinkedIn’s global social media platform, later this year.”

Microsoft also said it would launch a modified China-specific version of the site for job hunting later this year, but without the social media aspects of the site such as the social feed and ability to share posts.

The statement added that while the platform had been successful in connecting people with jobs, it had not seen as much success with the social aspects of the site.

LinkedIn was the last major U.S. social media platform in China, which is regarded as one of the strictest places for censorship.

In March, LinkedIn was given 30 days to enhance how it moderates its content in China, and new profile signups were temporarily paused while the platform ensured it was in compliance with local laws, The Wall Street Journal reported.

LinkedIn, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2016, has operated in China since 2014, seeking to “connect the world’s professionals” while adhering to “requirements of the Chinese government on Internet platforms,” the company said.

Other social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have been blocked in China for more than a decade.

The Hill has reached out to Microsoft for more information.