Taiwan recently declared a one-year moratorium on use of the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, or RedNote. This decision represents an important step in response to long-standing complaints about online shopping scams. This decision will improve the experience of about three million users in Taiwan. These early adopters have been active on the platform since it was born back in 2013. Xiaohongshu has had incredible catch on Asia — racking up a whopping 700 million users all over the world. It feels like the lovechild of Instagram and TikTok, allowing users to shop and engage with shoppable content all in one place.
Taiwanese authorities have voiced concern about risks of scams related to Xiaohongshu’s integrated shopping tools. The ban is indicative of a growing consumer-awareness trend among Taiwanese regulators toward platforms that may pose risks to consumer safety. Younger demographics—and especially those under 30—have gobbled up the app. They want access to lifestyle inspiration and fun, experiential shopping.
Xiaohongshu’s user base has expanded significantly, particularly as individuals in America sought alternatives to TikTok following threats from the U.S. government to ban the latter. The platform’s growth has alarmed regulators in China, who have begun exerting pressure on Xiaohongshu’s management. Chinese authorities are calling for a harsh penalization of the app’s executives. Their worry is that “viral” “negative” sentiment spreading on the platform will make the government agency look bad.
The announcement of the ban in Taiwan shows that the tide has turned. It shows how the island nation now views proposals associated with mainland China. Xiaohongshu has flourished on this appetite by providing a stage where users can discover products and post organic reviews. Yet, rising scrutiny from multiple governments should show the difficulty of running a social media platform that mixes a marketplace with an entertainment network.
This ban is actually happening. Thus, it remains to be seen how Xiaohongshu will continue to face the increasing pressures of Taiwanese as well as Chinese governments. The decision underscores a broader trend where governments are increasingly wary of foreign apps that may compromise user safety or national interests.