Taiwan blocks RedNote app citing fraud and data security risks

Taiwan’s government announced plans to block access to the Chinese social media app RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, citing concerns over widespread online fraud and inadequate cybersecurity protections. The ban, expected to last one year, will affect roughly three million Taiwanese users. According to the Criminal Investigation Bureau, more than 1,700 cases of scams linked to the platform have been recorded since last year, resulting in losses exceeding NT$247 million (roughly £5.9 million or $7.9 million). Authorities claim the company failed to meet data security requirements and ignored regulators’ requests for a plan to improve its cybersecurity measures. The report adds that RedNote, an Instagram- and TikTok-style app with integrated shopping features, has no local office in Taiwan. The action follows increasing global scrutiny of Chinese tech platforms amid growing concerns that Beijing may use social media to influence public opinion and spread misinformation. China insists that Taiwan is a breakaway province destined to reunite with the mainland, while Taiwan maintains its separate government. In a related context, Russia also recently banned other digital services like Snapchat and Roblox, citing national security issues and online safety concerns. The move underscores how governments worldwide are increasingly wary of foreign social media platforms handling local user data and online interactions.