RedNote, a Chinese social media app, has surged in popularity in the United States, becoming the most downloaded free app on the US App Store. In the past two days alone, 700,000 new users from the US have joined the platform. Despite its success, RedNote faces scrutiny over allegations that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government due to a Beijing law mandating local companies to cooperate with state intelligence operations.
Chinese company based in Shanghai developed RedNote to facilitate interactions between users worldwide. In China, the app is predominantly used by younger and middle-aged women for sharing images and videos. Recently, American users have flocked to the platform, intrigued by the opportunity for cultural exchange. Chinese users have welcomed them warmly, with some even offering assistance with English homework.
"You don't even need to travel abroad, you can just talk to foreigners here." – A Chinese RedNote user
Despite its growing user base, RedNote has not escaped controversy. Some American users have reported receiving notices that their posts violated guidelines, such as inquiries about the app's stance on LGBT issues. Additionally, users have been advised against discussing sensitive topics like politics, religion, and drugs. These restrictions have drawn mixed reactions among new users.
In a playful exchange of culture and humor, Chinese users have demanded a "tax" from American users in the form of cat photos. This light-hearted request has led to a virtual exchange of pet pictures and stories.
"Here's my offering – the shorthair is a boy named Bob and the calico is a girl named Marley." – A Chinese RedNote user
The app's popularity has sparked conversations about data privacy and government surveillance. A Beijing law requires local companies like RedNote to "support, assist and cooperate with state intelligence work," raising concerns about where user data might end up. This aspect has not gone unnoticed by American users who are aware of the ongoing debates over data privacy.
"The reason that our government is telling us that they are banning TikTok is because they're insisting that it's owned by you guys, the Chinese people, government, whatever." – Definitelynotchippy
RedNote's rapid rise among American users can be attributed to various factors, including curiosity about Chinese culture and dissatisfaction with domestic social media policies. Some users have even joined the app as a form of protest against their government’s stance on foreign apps.
"A lot of us are smarter than that though so we decided to piss off our government and download an actual Chinese app. We call that trolling, so in short we're here to spite our government and to learn about China and hang out with you guys." – Definitelynotchippy
The app's unique feature of facilitating cross-cultural interactions has captivated users on both sides. Some Chinese users have openly expressed their surprise at the influx of foreign users amidst their own travel restrictions.
"How come so many foreigners can enter, when clearly I can't leave?" – A Chinese RedNote user
In response to the growing number of English-speaking users, RedNote is actively hiring English moderators to ensure smooth communication and user experience. Meanwhile, Chinese state media has portrayed an optimistic view of RedNote's expansion. The Global Times even interviewed a US user about their experiences on the app.
Despite these developments, neither the US government nor Beijing has officially commented on RedNote’s rise or the concerns surrounding it.