icrosoft Corp.'s LinkedIn is closing down a localized version of its professional networking platform in China, becoming the last major U.S. social media provider to leave the country.
LinkedIn said it made the decision in light of the more challenging operating environment and higher compliance requirements in China. The company could close the current version later in the year, LinkedIn said in a blog post Thursday.
After entering China in 2014, LinkedIn appeared to offer a model for the American Internet companies to spread throughout the country. In exchange for that privilege, the company agreed to restrict some content to adhere to state censorship rules. Other Social Media platforms like Twitter Inc. and Facebook Inc. have long been banned.
LinkedIn said then that it had paused new member sign-ups for its China service while it worked to ensure it was in compliance with local law.
LinkedIn said its new strategy for China is to focus on helping local professionals find jobs in the nation and to help Chinese companies find quality candidates. The site will not have a social feed or the ability to share posts or articles.