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Taiwan blocks RedNote app, sparking VPN surge

Date:
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:29:36 +0000

Description:
The popular Chinese social media and e-commerce app has been blocked by the
Taiwanese government due to fears of fraud and data harvesting. But users are
finding ways to stay connected.

FULL STORY

Taiwan has made the decision to block the popular Chinese social media and
e-commerce app, RedNote (known as Xiaohongshu in China), citing alarming 
fraud statistics and concerns over excessive data collection. The app, which
boasts around three million users in Taiwan, is a major platform for online
shopping, content discovery, and social interaction. 

 Reports suggest that the ban, which came into effect on December 4th, has
already triggered a surge in downloads for the best VPN services as users 
look for ways to bypass the block. 

Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs stated that an investigation into 
RedNote raised red flags in 15 different categories, according to Reuters .
The ministry expressed concerns that the app was collecting sensitive user
data, including device IDs, precise location data, contact lists, and
clipboard information, even when the app was not in use. 

Furthermore, officials have linked the platform to over 1,700 cases of fraud
in 2024, resulting in losses of more than $7.9 million  The Financial Times
reported . 

Despite these concerns, the ban has not been universally welcomed, with
opposition parties in Taiwan labeling the move as a form of censorship.

Why the RedNote ban is so controversial

The ban on RedNote highlights the delicate balance between national security
and individual freedoms. The Taiwanese government's actions are rooted in a
broader objective to enhance cybersecurity and combat online fraud. However,
the move is viewed by some as being politically motivated, given the ongoing
tensions between Taiwan and China. 

The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) has been a vocal critic of the ban, while
a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office accused the
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of trampling on democracy and undermining
the freedom of the Taiwanese people. 

This sentiment is echoed by some of the app's user base, predominantly young
urban women, who feel unfairly targeted. According to the BBC , users argue
that other platforms, such as those owned by Meta, are more guilty of similar
data harvesting practices. 

For many, RedNote is more than just a social media app; it is an integral 
part of their lifestyle, and its removal has created a void, leaving them
feeling cut off from an important part of their digital and cultural lives. 

For now, the future of RedNote in Taiwan remains uncertain. The government 
may choose to tighten restrictions further or seek compromises that would
allow the app to operate under stricter regulations. 

In the meantime, the surge in VPN usage demonstrates a clear determination
from a significant portion of the Taiwanese population to maintain their
access to the platform, regardless of the government's stance. 

======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/taiwan-blocks-rednote-app-s
parking-vpn-surge

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