On December 4, 2025, the Taiwan authorities announced an immediate ban on Xiaohongshu for one year, citing emergency fraud prevention powers in Article 42 of the Regulations on the Prevention and Control of the Harm Caused by Fraud Crimes and a failed information security screening.
In early 2025, Xiaohongshu, also known internationally as RedNote, topped the App Store download charts in over 40 countries and regions and ranked among the top three in nearly 100, driven by a surge of users from the United States and beyond. It has grown into a unique ecosystem combining content creation, social interaction, and e-commerce.
In the Taiwan region alone, the platform attracted 3 million registered users out of a population of 23 million. For many young residents of Taiwan, Xiaohongshu became a bridge across the Chinese mainland, fostering cross-strait ties and even helping descendants of Kuomintang soldiers reconnect with long-lost relatives.
But fraud data tell a different story. Daily financial losses from fraud in the Taiwan region amount to as much as NT$400 million, with 70 percent linked to Meta, formerly known as Facebook. A single day of Facebook-driven losses exceeds two years of fraud losses on Xiaohongshu combined.
Former legislator Kuo Cheng-liang reported more than 60 incidents of identity theft fraud on Meta, yet saw no effective response despite repeated reports. Meanwhile, the Taiwan authorities have taken a lenient stance toward data practices on overseas platforms like Meta and YouTube, reserving strict action only for Xiaohongshu.
Many observers say the ban reflects deeper political motives. Empirical evidence suggests that separatist forces in the Taiwan region oppose platforms connected to the Chinese mainland without exception, using security concerns as a pretext to limit digital exchange.
As the one-year ban takes effect, the move raises questions about freedom of expression and the balance between security and politics in platform regulation. For global app developers and young users alike, this is a reminder that tech regulation often goes far beyond technology.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
