Microsoft to shut down LinkedIn in China, cites ‘challenging’ environment

Microsoft Corp is pulling the plug on LinkedIn in China nearly seven years after its launch, marking the retreat of the last major US-owned social network in China as authorities there further tighten their control over the internet sector.

LinkedIn said in a blog post on Thursday that it would replace the platform later this year with a stripped-down version that would focus only on jobs, called “InJobs”, which would not include a social feed or share options.

“While we’ve found success in helping Chinese members find jobs and economic opportunity, we have not found that same level of success in the more social aspects of sharing and staying informed,” LinkedIn said. “We’re also facing a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China.”