Taiwan Blocks RedNote App Over Fraud and Data Security Concerns

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Getty Images

Taiwan announced a one-year block on the popular Chinese social media app RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, citing a surge in online shopping scams and unresolved data security issues. The decision, confirmed by the island’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, follows a wave of fraudulent activity traced to the platform since last year, with losses totaling over NT$247 million and more than 1,700 reported scam cases.

The ban affects the mainland’s three million internet users in Taiwan as internet service providers were instructed to restrict access to RedNote. The platform, which blends social networking with integrated shopping features similar to a TikTok-style interface, has grown rapidly in popularity across Asia and beyond, including a notable user base in the United States seeking alternatives to domestic social media options.

Local authorities indicated the app did not meet the required data security standards and has not provided a concrete plan to bolster cybersecurity measures. The interior ministry, cited by Taipei Times, noted that RedNote operates without a local office, complicating regulatory oversight and compliance with security requirements. In response to the ban, several Taiwan news outlets reported that the app now displays a security-restriction message to users attempting to access it.

The government’s move comes amid broader regional concerns about the role of social media platforms in disseminating misinformation, influencing public opinion, and enabling fraudulent activities. Taiwan has emphasized the need for robust data protection and accountability from platforms that host consumer-focused shopping features. Officials stressed that the measure is intended to safeguard consumers while the regulator evaluates potential long-term policy options for handling similar platforms.

RedNote, launched in 2013, counts hundreds of millions of users worldwide and has enjoyed growing engagement as consumers explore online shopping within social feeds. The platform has faced increased scrutiny from regulators in various jurisdictions, with China’s authorities signaling critical actions against perceived misconduct on the platform. Taiwan’s temporary ban marks a high-profile intervention aimed at curbing fraud and ensuring that digital marketplaces operate within secure, supervised environments.