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As someone who lived and worked in Shanghai for over 10 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how foreign companies like Google, Meta, and others interacted with China’s unique regulatory landscape. According to China’s internet laws, these companies were required to comply with certain data-sharing and content guidelines. However, companies like Google and Meta did not agree to these terms, which led to their gradual exit from the Chinese market. LinkedIn was the most recent departure, shutting down its localized version in October 2021.
When these companies leave China, their platforms become inaccessible within the Great Firewall. However, their intellectual property and influence don’t entirely vanish. Many people in China still access platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) using VPNs. It’s important to note that these platforms aren’t outright banned; rather, the companies chose not to comply with local laws and regulations, which made operating in China unsustainable for them. For instance, Google still maintains an office in China, and some Meta apps are even available in Chinese app stores.
That said, the landscape of digital platforms in China is fundamentally different. Domestic tech giants like WeChat, Weibo, Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), Xiaohongshu (XHS), and others dominate the market. To put things into perspective, while a trending hashtag on Western social media might get thousands or even millions of views, a popular topic on platforms like Weibo or Douyin can easily generate over 30 million views in minutes. The scale and engagement here are unparalleled.
Would people in China welcome platforms like Facebook back? Honestly, maybe but not likely, Facebook’s peak days are long behind it, and the Chinese digital ecosystem has evolved far beyond what Facebook could offer. However, platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or even X might find some niche demand. Still, with the dominance of Chinese apps that offer integrated super-app features, the appetite for these platforms may not be as strong as you think.
If you want to truly understand the dynamics of tech and business in China, go beyond Western media narratives. Engage with more diverse sources, and familiarize yourself with the cultural, social, and regulatory nuances that define doing business in China.
Here’s a take on LinkedIn’s Departure: europeanguanxi.com/post/why-micro
