Earlier this month, Taiwan authorities led by the Democratic Progressive Party announced a one-year ban on the Chinese mainland-developed app RedNote. Officials cited cybersecurity risks and potential fraud, but many residents of Taiwan are struggling to understand the move.
Data from the Taiwan Cybersecurity Commission does not list RedNote among the top scam-related apps in the Taiwan region. According to the commission’s November 2025 report, the app accounted for less than 2% of verified digital fraud cases and did not appear on the list of the 20 highest-risk applications.
For more than half a million daily users in Taiwan, RedNote has become an essential platform for sharing short posts, travel diaries and creative content. Since the ban took effect on December 1, users report hiccups in uploading and browsing, prompting a shift to alternatives like NoteLink and QuickMemo.
On social media, the hashtag #RedNoteBan has trended for three days, with users demanding clarity. “I rely on RedNote to document my trips and connect with friends abroad,” says Lin, a digital nomad based in Taipei.
Digital rights experts warn that unexpected platform restrictions can erode trust in public institutions. “Transparency and data-driven justifications are key,” notes technology policy analyst Chen. “If cybersecurity is the concern, releasing detailed findings would help build public confidence.”
As calls for an official review grow, residents of Taiwan hope authorities will clarify the decision or reconsider the ban before it disrupts daily routines for an entire year.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
