No, China does not own LinkedIn. While LinkedIn operates in China under the name "LinkedIn China," it is a separate entity from the main LinkedIn platform.
Here's a breakdown:
- LinkedIn: The global professional networking platform owned by Microsoft.
- LinkedIn China: A localized version of LinkedIn that operates in China. It was launched in 2014 and was originally a joint venture between LinkedIn and the Chinese investment firm, Sinovation Ventures. However, in 2014, LinkedIn sold a majority stake in LinkedIn China to Sinovation Ventures, which still operates the platform today.
Key Points:
- LinkedIn China is a separate entity from the main LinkedIn platform.
- LinkedIn China operates under its own terms and conditions, which are subject to Chinese law.
- While LinkedIn China allows users to connect with professionals worldwide, it is subject to censorship by the Chinese government.
In conclusion, while LinkedIn China is a localized version of LinkedIn, it is not owned by the Chinese government or any Chinese company. It is currently owned and operated by Sinovation Ventures, a Chinese investment firm.