LinkedIn launches China version

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.

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.

LinkedIn has pledged to be limited and open about its compliance.

"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.

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".

"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.

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.

Its English-language version has been available in China for more than a decade, attracting four million users, the statement said.

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".

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LinkedIn launches China version