Ask Onix
Taiwan moves to block RedNote amid fraud surge
Taiwanese authorities announced a one-year ban on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, following a spike in online shopping scams linked to the app. Internet service providers have been ordered to block access, affecting an estimated three million users on the island.
Fraud cases and financial losses
The Criminal Investigation Bureau reported over 1,700 fraud cases on RedNote since last year, with victims losing more than NT$247 million (£5.9 million; $7.9 million). Local media highlighted the app's built-in shopping features as a key factor in the scams.
Platform inaccessible as ban takes effect
BBC checks in Taiwan confirmed that RedNote is no longer accessible for some users, displaying a message citing "security restrictions." The ban follows accusations that the app failed to meet data security standards and did not respond to regulators' demands for improved cybersecurity measures.
"The app's operators have not submitted a plan to address security risks," Taiwan's interior minister told the Taipei Times.
Taiwanese Interior Minister
Regulatory pressure and global context
Launched in 2013, RedNote has hundreds of millions of users worldwide, with growing popularity in Asia and the Americas as an alternative to TikTok. However, the app has faced scrutiny in both Taiwan and China. In September, Chinese regulators called for "strict punishment" of RedNote's executives over "negative" posts on the platform.
Broader tensions over Chinese influence
The ban reflects Taiwan's concerns about Beijing's use of social media to shape public opinion and spread disinformation. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to assert control. The move also aligns with global unease over Chinese-owned platforms, including TikTok, which faces potential bans in the U.S.
Next steps
Taiwanese authorities have not yet received a response from RedNote regarding the ban. The BBC has reached out to both the app's operators and Taiwanese officials for comment but has not received a reply as of publication.
