On the same day that LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD) is receiving considerable flak for censoring content that goes beyond China’s strict censorship rules the company has given its site a face lift.
With Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB), YouTube, Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR), and other sites social media sites blocked in the Middle Kingdom, LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD) is available and it’s fairly clear that the company wishes to retain this arrangement with Beijing. Users around the world will no longer have access to post’s originating in China that violate the country’s censorship policies.
LinkedIn – China controversy
“To create value for our members in China and around the world, we will need to implement the Chinese government’s restrictions on content, when and to the extent required … Members in China will not be able to access content that is prohibited in China, said Roger Pua, director of corporate communications in the Asia-Pacific region for LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD).
“Outside of China, members will be able to view content that is restricted in China, unless that content originated in China – this is to protect the privacy and security of the member who posted that content.”
“LinkedIn, by its nature, is a professional network and not prone to conversations that are political in nature. We think the impact is very, very small,” he added.
New look for some
On a less controversial note, the company has reworked its profile pages for paying customers despite the fact that it appears that the company has heavily “borrowed” from its competition in Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and Google+ both began using a widescreen background motif earlier this year and was the followed by Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR). With LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD) joining the others, are we looking at the “new normal?”
Presently, as mentioned, it’s only available available to premium members but all users are allowed to apply to a waiting list for when the feature is rolled-out more widely.
LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD) product manager Dmitry Shevelenko remarked in a blog post on Wednesday that the starter option is aimed at “ambitious professionals who are looking to take their career to the next level.”
