Taiwan to prohibit RedNote app from China due to fraud worries

Taiwan has announced plans to restrict access to the Chinese social media platform RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, for a duration of one year due to rising concerns about online shopping scams. Authorities from the islands Criminal Investigation Bureau reported that since last year, more than 1,700 fraud incidents have been linked to the app, resulting in total losses exceeding NT$247 million ($7.9 million).

The ban will affect roughly three million users in Taiwan. RedNote is a platform similar to Instagram and TikTok, combining social media features with online shopping capabilities. Details on the exact start date of the restriction have not yet been provided.

Local media report that the app failed to comply with Taiwan's data security requirements, leaving users vulnerable to fraud. Taiwanese officials noted that RedNotes operators have no local office and have not responded to requests for a cybersecurity improvement plan.

Founded in 2013, Xiaohongshu has grown to hundreds of millions of users globally and is particularly popular across Asia. Its user base has expanded in the U.S. as some seek alternatives to TikTok amid potential government restrictions.

The temporary ban in Taiwan also reflects broader concerns about Beijing using social media to influence public opinion and spread disinformation. China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to assert control.

RedNote has faced scrutiny from Chinese regulators as well, who in September called for strict actions against the companys management due to harmful content on the platform.

Author: Logan Reeves