Microsoft has announced the closure of its professional LinkedIn network while informing that it is developing a new version of the platform that will follow the rules of the Chinese Communist Party. The new version of LinkedIn for China will be called InJobs and will help people find jobs, but "will not include a social channel or the ability to share posts or articles."
Microsoft's capitulation to China's restrictions on freedom of expression for its social media platform is a response to previous messages that the company would censor its content in China.
"While we are retiring the localized version of LinkedIn in China at the end of this year, we will continue to have a strong presence in China to drive our new strategy and we are excited to launch the new InJobs app," the social network states.
The post explained that the strategy had enabled the platform to help Chinese subscribers "find a job, share and stay informed," and while the site had "been successful in helping Chinese members find jobs and economic opportunities," LinkedIn said it had "not found that same level of success in the more social aspects of sharing and staying informed."
"We are also facing a significantly more challenging operating environment and higher compliance requirements in China," the social network continued in a statement.
California-based LinkedIn was bought by Microsoft in 2016.
