(Yicai Global) March 12 -- LinkedIn has temporarily suspended the registration of new members in China as the US professional networking platform works to ensure that it remains in compliance with local law and to create better economic opportunities for its members in the country, online news outlet The Paper reported yesterday, citing the app.

“We’re a global platform with an obligation to respect the laws that apply to us, including adhering to Chinese government regulations for our localized version of LinkedIn in China,” LinkedIn said on its website. No details were given as to what the legal set back might be and when new sign-ups would restart.

The suspension might have to do with tighter supervision of the internet-based sector. The Chinese government has recently been soliciting opinions for new laws to safeguard data security and user privacy.

LinkedIn, which has more than 740 million members in 200 countries, has been operating in China since 2014. Its main sources of revenue are premium account subscriptions, ad sales and different types of talent recruitment solutions.

Editor: Kim Taylor