Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwan’s Interior Ministry announced on Thursday that it will suspend access to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known in English as Rednote, for one year due to alleged fraud and cybersecurity risks. The move comes after investigations revealed the app’s involvement in over 1,700 reported fraud cases since 2024, resulting in financial losses of approximately T$247.68 million ($7.91 million).

“The app’s lack of compliance with Taiwan laws has hampered fraud investigations, creating a substantive legal vacuum,” the ministry said in a statement issued on behalf of Taiwan’s National Police Agency.

Xiaohongshu’s Legal and Security Issues in Taiwan

Xiaohongshu, often described as an Instagram-like platform, reportedly has 3 million users in Taiwan. The app failed all 15 indicators in a government cybersecurity assessment, raising serious concerns about data safety, transparency, and compliance with local legal frameworks.

In October, Taiwan contacted Xiaohongshu’s Shanghai-based parent company requesting concrete measures to ensure user data protection, but the company has not responded. The Interior Ministry emphasized that all digital platforms operating in Taiwan must appoint legal representatives and comply with local laws. Noncompliance could result in access restrictions, legal action, or permanent bans.

One-Year Suspension and User Guidance

The Interior Ministry will implement an internet blocking order, temporarily restricting access to Xiaohongshu for one year. Future measures will depend on whether the company engages with Taiwan authorities and demonstrates compliance with national regulations.

The ministry also warned citizens:

“Do not download this software, and those who have already downloaded it should stop using it and switch to other legal platforms that meet information security standards.”

Broader Context: Taiwan’s Stance on Chinese Apps

Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has repeatedly warned against the use of Chinese apps, citing risks of fraud, disinformation, and potential data breaches tied to Beijing. The democratically-elected Taiwanese government continues to reject Beijing’s territorial claims while prioritizing digital safety for its citizens.

Cybersecurity experts say Taiwan’s actions reflect growing concerns over cross-border digital threats and the responsibility of international tech platforms to comply with local laws.