Professional networking site LinkedIn is all set to enter the World’s largest online community. According to sources, LinkedIn has launched a Chinese version of the site to target the 618 million internet users currently in the country. However, how the Chinese Government is going to react to this news? Will the Government make the entry of LinkedIn easier, when it didn’t do that for any of the global media giants earlier? China has always seen to be very reluctant and suspicious when it comes to media exposure.
Although China is a huge market for most global media players, they always had to go through huge scrutiny and abide by tons of restrictions which made flexible operation almost impossible for these companies. It’s not possible that LinkedIn is not aware of such incidences. Despite being well versed with China’s reaction to media freedom, why LinkedIn seems to act so indifferently?
If LinkedIn has already made its mind and launched its Chinese version, does that mean the company is simply navigating China’s strict censorship regimen? With China’s strict Firewall system in place, how far LinkedIn will be able to make? LinkedIn spokesperson said that the English language version of the platform has been available in the country over a decade now and it was able to attract almost four million online users.
For now, no online users in China are allowed to use any political or system sensitive phrase on any of its online platform. China is more than eager to keep the country’s specific news within the country only. The latest rule in place is that if an internet user spread any inappropriate information online and it gets more than 5000 views, the person may have to face three years in jail. China’s young generation is highly tech savvy. It’s only the imposed restriction by the Government of the country that can become one of the biggest barriers for the business networking company. Will LinkedIn be able to ward off China’s strict internet control? What investors have to say about it?
China’s highly restrictive communist party has always been very reluctant about offering freedom to the media. On the contrary, the social media platforms let users have an incredible online experience with no limitations or restrictions of any sort. As one can imagine, the freedom of use and privilege of better worldwide connectivity is going to be the biggest threat for the China. Then how can LinkedIn think that the company can get away the highly conservative media monitoring system of this country? Does LinkedIn have any other plan on its plate?
