As TikTok’s potential ban looms in the U.S., RedNote surges in popularity. But is it the safe alternative users hope for, or does it come with significant risks?
The rise of RedNote as TikTok’s replacement
When the possibility of a TikTok ban in the U.S. emerged, millions began searching for a comparable alternative. Enter RedNote, the app that has become the top download on the U.S. App Store almost overnight. Known in China as Xiaohongshu, or “Little Red Book,” the platform has long been a cultural phenomenon, seamlessly combining social media, e-commerce, and lifestyle content.
Initially launched in 2013 as a shopping recommendation platform, RedNote has since evolved into a dynamic mix of TikTok, Pinterest, and Amazon. With over 300 million active users worldwide, it offers curated content spanning skincare tutorials, fitness hacks, and travel tips—paired with the ability to purchase featured products directly within the app.
But as American users flock to RedNote, concerns about privacy and data security are mounting, especially given the app’s Chinese origins and opaque terms of service.
The TikTok ban and its ripple effect
The proposed TikTok ban, set to take effect on January 19, 2025, threatens to eliminate access to the popular app entirely, cutting off millions of users from downloads, updates, and eventually, functionality. This uncertainty has spurred hashtags like #TikTokRefugee and led users to explore alternatives such as RedNote.
While RedNote offers an appealing mix of features, its lack of transparency raises red flags. Key concerns include:
Opaque terms of service
The app’s terms of service are primarily written in Mandarin, making them inaccessible to most U.S. users. This lack of clarity leaves many unaware of how their data is collected, stored, or shared.
Extensive data collection
RedNote gathers a wealth of user data, including location, browsing activity, and device details. While such practices are standard among social media platforms, RedNote’s ownership in China raises concerns about compliance with laws requiring companies to share data with the government.
Although there is no concrete evidence of misuse, the absence of detailed privacy protections in RedNote’s policies leaves users vulnerable to potential risks.
How does RedNote compare to TikTok?
Interestingly, TikTok—despite its controversies—offers a more transparent approach to data practices, including encryption details and specific data storage policies. In contrast, RedNote remains vague about its security measures and accountability in case of breaches.
“Switching from TikTok to RedNote doesn’t eliminate the risks,” Hendry Parsons explains. “It simply shifts them to a platform with even less clarity and accountability.”
How to protect your data on RedNote
For those who decide to use RedNote, experts recommend taking proactive steps to safeguard privacy:
- Review permissions: Limit access to sensitive data, such as location or microphone, where possible.
- Use a standalone email: Avoid linking accounts from other platforms like Facebook or Google.
- Utilize a VPN: A VPN can encrypt your data and add an extra layer of privacy.
- Be mindful of posts: Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information.
- Stay informed: Regularly review updates to RedNote’s terms and privacy policies.
The bigger picture: Are we repeating past mistakes?
RedNote’s meteoric rise underscores a broader issue: the speed at which users adapt to new platforms without fully considering the implications. As Hendry Parsons puts it, “These moments challenge us to think critically about the platforms we use and demand better transparency and accountability.”
The rush to replace TikTok reflects an eagerness to maintain online connections, but it also highlights the importance of informed decision-making. “Every download is a choice,” says Parsons. “It’s time we make those choices with greater care.”
RedNote may be trending, but its growing popularity comes with unresolved questions about privacy and security. Before users embrace the app as the next big platform, they must weigh its features against the potential risks. The TikTok ban offers a rare opportunity to rethink how we engage online—and demand higher standards from the platforms we choose to trust.