Taiwan’s Interior Ministry announced on Thursday that it will suspend access to the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu—also known as Rednote—for one year, citing security risks and its alleged involvement in thousands of fraud cases since 2024. The decision marks a significant move in Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to regulate Chinese apps and protect users from digital fraud.

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Fraud Allegations and User Impact

According to Taiwan authorities, Xiaohongshu, which has approximately 3 million users in Taiwan, has been linked to over 1,700 reported fraud cases, resulting in T$247.68 million ($7.91 million) in losses since 2024. The Interior Ministry stated that the platform failed all 15 indicators in a government cybersecurity assessment.

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

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Regulatory Actions

Taiwan will block internet access to Xiaohongshu for a provisional period of one year, with future measures depending on whether the company complies with local laws and responds in good faith. In October, Taiwan contacted Xiaohongshu’s Shanghai-based parent company, requesting concrete steps to ensure data safety, but the company reportedly did not respond.

All platforms operating in Taiwan must appoint legal representatives and adhere to Taiwanese legal frameworks, a requirement Xiaohongshu has failed to meet.

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Government Warnings and Public Guidance

The Interior Ministry urged citizens not to download Xiaohongshu and advised those who have already installed the app to cease using it, switching to alternative platforms that meet Taiwan’s information security standards.

This move aligns with Taiwan’s broader policy of caution regarding Chinese apps, particularly due to the risks of disinformation and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Taiwan, which maintains a democratically-elected government, rejects Beijing’s territorial claims, further reinforcing its efforts to safeguard national digital infrastructure.