RedNote, a Chinese social media app, is surging in downloads as users seek alternatives to TikTok before a potential US ban.
City: New York. With TikTok facing a possible ban in the US, a new app called RedNote is taking off. It’s become the most downloaded app on both Apple and Google Play stores.
RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu or “Little Red Book,” has millions of users in China and is now catching on in the West. This sudden interest seems to be a reaction to the US government’s moves against TikTok.
People are calling themselves “TikTok refugees” as they flock to RedNote, raising some eyebrows about privacy. The app is also trending in the UK, even though TikTok isn’t facing a ban there.
RedNote is often compared to TikTok but mixes features from Instagram and Pinterest. Launched in 2013, it has over 300 million active users and is valued at around $3 billion.
While it focuses on short videos, users can also shop, review products, and share lifestyle tips. However, it’s important to note that RedNote is heavily censored and has a mostly apolitical vibe.
In Taiwan, officials can’t use RedNote due to security concerns. The app’s rise in popularity might be seen as a protest against the US’s proposed TikTok ban.
Some users are vocal about their reasons for switching, claiming it’s a stand against government censorship. The US is pushing for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations due to data security worries.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to decide on TikTok’s future, with a ruling expected soon. RedNote is owned by a Chinese company, which raises similar privacy concerns as TikTok.
Experts warn that RedNote’s terms of service allow for data use without user consent, which is a red flag. Cybersecurity specialists suggest that the app could share data with third parties, raising concerns about user privacy.
As more people jump on the RedNote bandwagon, some experts advise caution, especially for younger users. The app’s safety features are not as robust as those of other platforms.
Despite the risks, many users seem unfazed, joking about data collection as they embrace the new app. It’s a curious situation where efforts to protect data might be pushing users toward alternatives like RedNote.
