LinkedIn rolled out a Chinese language version of it professional networking site Monday, a move that could help the company greatly increase its user base.
LinkedIn already had an English version of the site available in China with more than 4 million users (it will still remain in use), according to a company blog post. The social network said it hopes to ultimately "connect over 140 million Chinese professionals" with its new site — that's roughly half of its current worldwide user base of 277 million.
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As part of the deal, LinkedIn partnered with venture-capital firms Sequoia China Capital and China Broadband Capital. Both firms contributed $5 million cash for an ownership stake in the venture, but things may not move as quickly as LinkedIn hopes, according to Recode
LinkedIn's new joint venture has not yet been approved to operate inside China, although an application has been filed, company CEO Jeff Weiner told Recode. The Chinese government may also try to censor some of the content shared over the new LinkedIn site, something Weiner said he opposes, but may have to deal with. "The government may, at times, require us to take down certain content, but we will try to stay true to our culture and values,” he told Recode.
Weiner outlined many of these same beliefs in a LinkedIn post published Monday afternoon. In it, he wrote about three "core values" for dealing with the Chinese government:
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.
LinkedIn is now offered in 22 different languages. Users can switch the language of their profile by going to "Privacy and Settings," clicking the "Account" tab on the left-hand side and clicking "Select your language."
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