Taiwan Bans Xiaohongshu Over Fraud and Data Security Fears

Taiwan blocks RedNote (Xiaohongshu) for a year amid fraud cases and data-security concerns, affecting millions of users across the island.

In a move aimed at strengthening online security, Taiwan has ordered a one-year ban on RedNote (Xiaohongshu), a popular Chinese social media app with built-in shopping features. Authorities say the platform has become a hotspot for scams, prompting regulators to act on safety concerns across the island.

Over the past year, the Criminal Investigation Bureau reported more than 1,700 fraud cases tied to the app, with losses totaling more than NT$247 million. Regulators also instructed local internet providers to block access, affecting about 3 million Taiwanese users.

RedNote, a TikTok-like platform with in-app shopping, has faced scrutiny after regulators said it did not meet data-security standards and did not maintain a local office in Taiwan. The interior ministry noted that the operator has not submitted a cybersecurity plan despite repeated requests.

Across Taiwan, users report periods when the app is unavailable, with a security-restriction message appearing on some devices.

The service launched in 2013 and now serves hundreds of millions of users worldwide, with many in Asia. This year, U.S. users looked for alternatives to TikTok amid regulatory pressure, boosting Xiaohongshu's popular profile in English-speaking markets as well.

The ban comes amid broader concerns about how Beijing uses social media to influence public opinion and spread disinformation. Beijing views Taiwan as a province to be reunified, and Taiwan continues to resist any forced integration.

In China, regulators have also pressed Xiaohongshu, calling for stronger penalties on executives over what officials described as negative content on the platform in September.

Expert comment: A technology policy analyst says the move signals growing vigilance over fraud and data security on cross-border apps. The restriction could push users toward rival platforms, potentially complicating convenient online shopping for residents of Taiwan.

Summary: Taiwan’s temporary block targets a shopping-enabled app amid fraud reports and security concerns. The decision affects millions and highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of Chinese platforms in Taiwan. It also reflects broader regional tensions and worries about how online platforms influence public opinion.