Taiwan Bans Chinese Social Media App Xiaohongshu Amid Fraud and Security Concerns

Taiwan has announced a one-year ban on the popular Chinese-owned social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, following repeated failures by the company to cooperate with local authorities over fraud-related investigations. The app, which has attracted around three million users in Taiwan, has drawn increasing scrutiny from government officials concerned about cybersecurity risks and potential disinformation campaigns.

The Ministry of the Interior said Thursday that Xiaohongshu had been connected to more than 1,700 fraud cases, resulting in financial losses totaling approximately 247.7 million Taiwanese dollars ($7.9 million). Officials described the company’s refusal to provide necessary data as creating a “de facto legal vacuum” that hampered law enforcement efforts.

Rising Popularity Amid Security Concerns

Xiaohongshu, which functions similarly to Instagram, has become increasingly popular among young Taiwanese users in recent years. However, the platform has also raised concerns over its potential use for pro-Beijing content or disinformation campaigns. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly signaled its willingness to assert control over the island, a stance that has heightened Taipei’s vigilance over foreign digital platforms.

The ban reflects broader global concerns about Chinese apps and their handling of user data. Chinese regulations require technology companies to store data domestically and provide government access, which experts say can enable content censorship and influence public opinion.

Global Context of Chinese App Restrictions

Similar concerns have prompted actions in other countries. The United States, for instance, has restricted TikTok on government devices and required ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to explore American ownership to mitigate national security risks. India blocked TikTok and dozens of other Chinese apps in 2020 over data security and privacy issues. Several European nations have also limited the use of TikTok on official devices since 2023.

Within Taiwan, Xiaohongshu and other Chinese apps, including TikTok, Douyin, WeChat, and Weibo, have been flagged in recent years for cybersecurity risks. The Ministry of Digital Affairs recently identified five apps as posing “significant cybersecurity threats,” citing the potential for unauthorized data collection and sharing. A National Security Bureau assessment found that Xiaohongshu failed all local cybersecurity evaluations.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly requested that Xiaohongshu submit concrete plans to address regulatory concerns, but the company has yet to respond. In contrast, international platforms such as Facebook, Google, LINE, and TikTok have appointed legal representatives in Taiwan and complied with local regulations.

“This is not a problem unique to Taiwan. It exists around the world, and even within China itself this platform has repeatedly violated regulations,” said Ma Shih-yuan, deputy minister of the interior. “From our perspective, it is a malicious platform — one that is beyond legal oversight and operates with unclear intentions.”

Public Reaction and Free Speech Debate

The ban has sparked debate among Taiwanese users and opposition lawmakers. Lai Shyh-bao, a legislator from the Kuomintang party, which advocates closer ties with China, criticized the move on social media, warning that it could limit internet freedom in Taiwan and force citizens to rely on virtual private networks to access content.

Officials argue the ban is necessary to protect users and maintain regulatory standards. The government has emphasized that Xiaohongshu’s failure to cooperate with local authorities contrasts sharply with global platforms that have established legal representation in Taiwan and adhered to national laws.

Looking Ahead

While the exact timing of the ban’s implementation remains unclear, Taiwan’s move highlights growing scrutiny of foreign apps amid concerns over cybersecurity, disinformation, and financial fraud. The decision underscores the balance governments must navigate between internet freedom and national security in an era of rapidly evolving digital platforms.