Professional-use social network LinkedIn announced on Tuesday that it will shut down its latest app available in China due to “tough competition” and a “challenging macroeconomic climate.”
Microsoft, which owns LinkedIn, is one of the few US internet companies that has managed to build a social network in China despite censorship and strict local regulations.
The group offered a specific version of its professional network in the country, to comply with local regulations, through a partnership with a local company.
As of 2021, LinkedIn has been unavailable in mainland China due to a “challenging operating environment” and “increased compliance requirements.”
The social network was replaced by a local and simplified version called InCareer, which allowed local professionals to stay connected to the social network.
“After careful consideration, we have made the decision to close InCareer effective August 9, 2023,” the social network said in a statement.
“Despite initial progress, InCareer is facing fierce competition and a difficult macroeconomic climate, which ultimately led us to make the decision to discontinue the service” in China, LinkedIn explained.
The social network has developed rapidly in the country thanks to a relationship culture in which the networking program and professional networks play a fundamental role.
However, in recent years, LinkedIn has become increasingly marginalized due to a plethora of particularly innovative local apps.
Most major US internet companies, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube, are blocked in China.
In recent years, LinkedIn has come under fire for deleting dissident accounts and removing politically sensitive content from its pages in China.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Tifany Hawkins, a professional journalist with years of experience in news reporting. I currently work for a prominent news website and write articles for 24NewsReporters as an author. My primary focus is on economy-related stories, though I am also experienced in several other areas of journalism.