Little Red Book, Big Data Risk: The REDnote Security Threat

In this episode of Upwardly Mobile, we dive into the complex and concerning rise of REDnote, the Chinese social media app gaining traction in the US after the TikTok ban. Is it just a new platform for social media users or a significant threat to data security and national security? We explore the reasons why millions of Americans are migrating to this app, the potential dangers it poses, and what it means for the future of social media regulation. Join us as we unpack the paradox of users flocking to a platform with even greater potential risks than the one they left behind.

Audio Summary/Episode Notes:
•Introduction: The US Supreme Court has upheld the ban on TikTok, causing a mass migration of users to the Chinese social media platform, REDnote1.... This episode explores the security and privacy implications of this move.
• The Rise of REDnote: We discuss the rapid increase in REDnote users, with over 3 million Americans joining in a single day2.... The app is now at the top of the US App Store4. This surge in popularity is driven by users seeking an alternative platform after the TikTok ban, with some jokingly saying they are willingly giving their data to China as payback for the ban4....
• What is REDnote? REDnote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, is a lifestyle-focused platform combining features of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok6. It has over 300 million monthly users globally6. It is one of the few social media platforms that operate on both sides of the Great Firewall7.
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The Cybersecurity Risks:
◦ Data Storage: Unlike TikTok, which has attempted to store some data on US servers, REDnote's servers are primarily located in China8. This means user data is subject to Chinese cybersecurity laws, requiring companies to grant government access upon request8....
◦ Terms of Service: REDnote's terms of service are written in Mandarin, making it difficult for US users to understand the implications of data usage7....
◦ Government Access: Experts warn that the app could be used by the Chinese government for espionage and influence operations10. It is easier for the Chinese government to spy on Americans and push propaganda through this platform7.
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Lack of Vetting: REDnote has not been vetted as extensively as TikTok, making it potentially more dangerous.
• The Paradox of the Ban: The attempt to protect American users from Chinese data collection has led many to voluntarily join another Chinese-owned app, highlighting a paradox in digital platform regulation6....
• Content Control: REDnote’s content moderation policies appear stricter than TikTok’s, with searches for terms like "Xi Jinping" and "Free Hong Kong" yielding no results.
• Potential Regulatory Scrutiny: Like TikTok, REDnote could face similar scrutiny under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act12. However, the chances of a Chinese company like REDnote complying with US requirements seem slim.
• The Bigger Picture: The focus on banning foreign platforms like TikTok without addressing systemic issues within domestic social media is an incomplete solution14. A comprehensive approach is needed to hold all social media companies accountable for their data practices.
• User Attitudes: Many users seem willing to accept the risks of using REDnote, prioritising digital community over data privacy.
• Legislative Lag: Legislation often fails to keep up with rapidly evolving technology, leaving users unprotected against new threats

Relevant Links:
• TechTarget: https://www.techtarget.com/ - TechTarget and Informa Tech's Digital Business Combine, where the original article appears.
• Dark Reading: https://www.darkreading.com/ - Source of the article, "Has the TikTok Ban Already Backfired on US Cybersecurity?"
• Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/ - Source of "RedNote's Paradoxical Rise: Why Are Millions Flocking To A Chinese App That Could Be Banned Like TikTok?"
• Approov Website: https://approov.io/ - Sponsor Website. Approov provides API security solutions that can help protect mobile apps from malicious attacks and data breaches.
• NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/chinese-app-rednote-pose-greater-security-risks-tiktok-rcna187619
• Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/tiktok-ban-rednote-poses-national-security-risks-too-experts-warn-2015096
• Yahoo News: https://www.yahoo.com/news/chinese-tiktok-alternative-rednote-could-200302709.html •NYPost: https://nypost.com/2025/01/15/business/china-owned-tiktok-alternative-rednotes-surge-in-us-sparks-alarm-over-serious-security-risks/