Taiwan Suspends Xiaohongshu for One Year Over Security Concerns

Taiwan’s interior ministry has announced a one-year suspension of access to Xiaohongshu, an Instagram-like Chinese social media platform, citing security risks and its alleged involvement in more than 1,700 fraud cases since 2024.

The ministry said Xiaohongshu, known in English as Rednote, has about 3 million users in Taiwan. Fraud linked to the platform caused losses of T$247.68 million ($7.91 million) since last year.
Officials added that the app failed all 15 indicators in a government cybersecurity assessment.

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Non-Compliance With Taiwan Law

According to the interior ministry, Xiaohongshu has not cooperated with investigations or complied with local laws, creating what it described as a “legal vacuum.” Taiwan contacted the platform’s Shanghai-based parent company in October to request data-safety measures, but received no response.

Government Action and Warning to Users

The ministry said it would issue an order to block and restrict access to Xiaohongshu for a provisional one-year period. Future decisions will depend on the company’s willingness to follow Taiwan’s laws, including appointing a legal representative in the country.

Authorities urged citizens to delete the app and use other platforms that meet Taiwan’s information-security standards.

Broader Concerns Over Chinese Apps

Taiwan has repeatedly warned the public about risks associated with Chinese platforms, including potential disinformation from Beijing. Taiwan’s government rejects China’s territorial claims over the island.

Conclusion

Taiwan’s decision to suspend Xiaohongshu highlights the government’s growing concern over digital security, fraud, and foreign influence. By blocking the platform for one year, officials aim to protect users and push the company to comply with local laws. The move also reflects Taiwan’s broader effort to safeguard its information space from risks linked to Chinese technology.