LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD) announced on their blog earlier that they have expanded presence in China by launching a beta version localized Chinese-language site.
LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD) reported that they are in a start-up phase even though they already have more than 4 million Chinese members in LinkedIn English site. By localizing the site in China, LinkedIn (NYSE:LNKD) hopes to provide the service and to connect over 140 million professionals in China with each other and with more than 277 million members worldwide.
LinkedIn has established a joint venture with Sequoia China and CBC to find ways to expand LinkedIn’s business in China. The social network company hopes to rely on the experience of its local team and the business and market expertise of its joint venture partners will help in exploring growth options in a huge market like China.
In the blog post, LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD) pointed out the fact that with expanding into markets come new levels of interaction with government authorities and local laws adherence. On that, LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner stated in a blog post that while LinkedIn disagrees with China’s government censorship requirements imposed on Internet platforms, LinkedIn will abide by applicable laws in order to have presence in China.
Weiner stated that they believe LinkedIn’s presence in China gives Chinese professionals the chance to connect with others on a global basis.
Consistent with LinkedIn’s core values, Weiner outlined three guidelines for the company’s ongoing approach in China:
- Government restrictions on content will be implemented only when and to the extent required.
- LinkedIn will be transparent about how it conducts business in China and will use multiple avenues to notify members about our practices.
- The company will undertake extensive measures to protect the rights and data of our members.
It’s obvious that LinkedIn seems very cautious in its approach into China. Weiner also stated that going forward, LinkedIn will continue to consult with many experts in order to safeguard the interests of LinkedIn members, partners, and the company’s President of China, Derek Shen.
