- Taiwan blocks China’s RedNote, citing fraud and data collection risks
- The ban has led to an increase in VPN usage as users seek to stay connected.
- The decision sparked debate, with some viewing it as censorship.
Taiwan has moved to block popular Chinese social media and e-commerce app RedNote (known as Xiaohongshu in China), citing alarming fraud statistics and concerns over excessive data collection. The app, which has around three million users in Taiwan, is a major platform for online shopping, content discovery and social interaction.
Reports suggest that the ban, which came into force on December 4, has already triggered a surge in downloads of top VPN services as users look for ways to get around the block.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs said an investigation into RedNote raised red flags in 15 different categories, according to PK Press Club. The ministry expressed concern that the app collected sensitive user data, including device identifiers, precise location data, contact lists and clipboard information, even when the app was not in use.
Additionally, officials linked the platform to more than 1,700 cases of fraud in 2024, resulting in losses of more than $7.9 million, the Financial Times reported.
Despite these concerns, the ban has not been universally welcomed, with opposition parties in Taiwan calling the measure a form of censorship.
Why the RedNote ban is so controversial
The RedNote ban highlights the delicate balance between national security and individual freedoms. The Taiwanese government’s actions are anchored in a broader goal to strengthen cybersecurity and combat online fraud. However, some consider the move to be politically motivated, given ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China.
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) sharply criticized the ban, while a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of trampling on democracy and undermining the freedom of the Taiwanese people.
This feeling is shared by part of the app’s user base, mainly young urban women, who feel unfairly targeted. According to the BBC, users claim that other platforms, such as those owned by Meta, are more guilty of similar data collection practices.
For many, RedNote is more than just a social media app; it is an integral part of their lifestyle and its removal has created a void, leaving them feeling cut off from an important part of their digital and cultural lives.
For now, RedNote’s future in Taiwan remains uncertain. The government may choose to further tighten restrictions or seek compromises that would allow the app to operate under stricter regulations.
At the same time, the increase in VPN usage demonstrates the clear determination of a significant portion of Taiwan’s population to maintain their access to the platform, regardless of the government’s stance.
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