Why Did China Block and Then Unblock LinkedIn?

A few social network specialists have their theories. Gary Epstein of Forbes answer is the "Jasmine Revolution," which so far has been not a protest movement but an occasion to display the reach of China's security apparatus and the limits placed on China's Internet. But, quickly points out, most likely, it was a technical glitch or accident that was quickly resolved. Those do happen in China. Perhaps, social networking specialists were quick to react.

China’s internet censorship policy, known as China’s great firewall (GFW) played an important role in the headlines last week due to the fact that GFW blocked and then, a couple of days later, unblocked business social network LinkedIn.

The blockage was an important issue because it was obvious that LinkedIn was the last English-language social network to not be censored. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Foursquare and Google are censored. So once the move was made, people assumed LinkedIn would be blocked for good.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in