Taiwan Bans China’s Popular App ‘Rednote’ for One Year Amid Rising Online Shopping Scams

Taipei: Taiwan has taken strict action against China’s popular app ‘Rednote’, imposing a one-year ban due to a surge in online shopping scams on the platform. Known as Xiaohongshu in China, the app has gained global popularity, offering social media features along with e-commerce services.

Reports indicate that in the past year, Rednote was linked to over 1,700 fraud cases, resulting in financial losses exceeding $7.9 million (approximately ₹70 crore).

Impact on Users

Rednote’s ban will affect more than 3 million domestic users in Taiwan. Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been instructed to block access to the app, which had become increasingly popular in the country. The app resembles TikTok in functionality, which contributed to its rapid adoption.

Popularity Beyond Asia

Rednote has also been gaining traction in the United States, especially amid discussions of a potential TikTok ban. It even became one of the most downloaded apps on the US App Store for a period, though TikTok remains accessible.

Taiwan Government’s Statement

According to Reuters, Taiwan’s Minister of the Interior stated that Rednote has no official office in the country. The government had sought responses from the app’s makers regarding security concerns, but no satisfactory reply was received. BBC reports confirm that the app is now unavailable in Taiwan, displaying a message that it is restricted due to security regulations.

Underlying Tensions with China

This move highlights the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. China is accused of using social media platforms to influence public opinion in its favor. While China considers Taiwan a province, Taiwan operates as a separate nation. Taiwan’s ban on Rednote is currently set for one year, during which authorities may review the app’s compliance before potentially allowing its return.