Gawker: valleywag, zhanzuo

Another day, another Facebook in China rumor

Nicholas Carlson — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:20:24 EST

Interfax China reports that Facebook is in negotiations to buy Chinese social network Tianwang.com. This comes after Facebook denied a Times of London report that it was in negotiations to buy Zhanzuo.com for $85 million, saying that the company was not in talks. In the latest article, Zhanzuo agrees — sort of. A spokesperson tells Interfax "we will not sell out and we have stopped talking with Facebook." Facebook denies acquisition talks were ever started. Maybe Facebook and its Chinese counterparts they were just sharing privacy best practices? In any event, we think all of these deal rumors off the mark. What we hear Facebook is really looking for in Asia is a strategic investor to complete its $500 million financing round — you know, the one for which Microsoft already chipped in $240 million. (Photo by ford)

Facebook denies China deal

Nicholas Carlson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:22:58 EST

A Facebook spokesperson tells us the Times of London is full of it. Earlier today, the British newspaper reported that Facebook had purchased Chinese social network Zhanzuo.com for $85 million, but according to Facebook spokeswoman Brandee Barker, "No offer has been made and no acquisition of any company in China is being considered by Facebook." Funny thing is, the Times even goes so far to quote a spokeswoman in its story — but doesn't specify where she works. "We do not know who the spokeperson is that they are referring to in the Times story and were never contacted by the paper to confirm the accuracy of this story," says Barker. So how did this rumor start, and who's this mysterious spokesperson? No answer yet, but we'll let you know what we hear.

Report: Facebook acquires Chinese social network

Nicholas Carlson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:24:24 EST

Facebook has purchased Chinese social network Zhanzuo.com for $85 million, according to reports. Facebook has yet to confirm the news, though an unnamed PR flack told the Times of London that Zhanzuo's chief executive Jack Zhang and Mark Zuckerberg know each other and that official news should be expected by the end of the month. Zhanzuo.com has 7 million active members and is reportedly popular among students. Meanwhile, now we have at least one theory why Facebook feels comfortable allowing employers to spy on their employees' private profiles. Facebook could just be preparing to operate in the People's Republic of China, where your privacy really is an illusion. Update: Facebook denies the report.