TikTok users flock to Chinese app RedNote as US ban looms

As the possibility of a ban on TikTok looms in the United States, many users are making the switch to a Chinese app called RedNote. These users, who refer to themselves as 'TikTok refugees,' have propelled RedNote to become the most downloaded app on the Apple App Store in the US as of Monday. RedNote is a competitor to TikTok and is particularly popular among young people in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions. The app boasts around 300 million monthly users and combines features of both TikTok and Instagram, allowing users, especially young urban women, to share lifestyle tips ranging from dating advice to fashion trends. The Supreme Court has set a deadline of January 19 for TikTok to either sell its US operations or face a potential ban. TikTok has consistently stated that it will not sell its US business, arguing that a ban would infringe upon the free speech rights of its 170 million users in the country. On March 13, 2024, supporters of TikTok gathered outside the US Capitol building to demonstrate their opposition to the potential ban. In the meantime, RedNote has embraced its new users with open arms. There are currently 63,000 posts tagged with 'TikTok refugee,' where newcomers can learn how to navigate the app and pick up some basic Chinese phrases. One new user expressed gratitude to their Chinese hosts, humorously apologizing for any chaos they might bring. However, similar to TikTok, there have been reports of censorship on RedNote, particularly regarding content that criticizes the Chinese government. In Taiwan, public officials are prohibited from using RedNote due to concerns about the security risks associated with Chinese software. As more users from the US join RedNote, some Chinese users have jokingly referred to themselves as 'Chinese spies,' alluding to US officials' fears that TikTok could be utilized by China for espionage and political manipulation. The Chinese name for RedNote, Xiaohongshu, translates to Little Red Book, but the app has clarified that this is not a reference to the famous book of quotations by Mao Zedong. Despite the security concerns, users are flocking to RedNote. Sarah Fotheringham, a 37-year-old school canteen worker from Utah, views her move to RedNote as a way to 'snub' the government. She stated, 'I'm just a simple person living a simple life,' and added that if the Chinese government wants her data, they can have it. Marcus Robinson, a fashion designer from Virginia, created his RedNote account over the weekend to promote his clothing brand and to stay ahead of the curve. He admitted to being 'slightly hesitant' about accepting the app's terms and conditions, which were written in Mandarin. 'I wasn't able to actually read them, so that was a little concerning to me,' he said, 'but I took my chance. ' The proposed TikTok ban would require app stores to stop offering the app, which could lead to its eventual decline. While a ban would not cause TikTok to disappear immediately, it would make it increasingly difficult for users to access the platform. Even if TikTok manages to avoid a ban, it may still struggle to retain users who are migrating to alternative platforms. Some social media users have shared with the BBC that they find themselves spending more time on RedNote than on TikTok. Sydney Crawley, a tech worker from Tennessee, mentioned that she gained over 6,000 followers within just 24 hours of creating her RedNote account. 'I will continue to try to build a following there and see what new connections, friendships, or opportunities it brings me,' she said. Sarah Fotheringham also expressed that RedNote has opened her world to China and its people. 'I am now able to see things I never would have seen,' she said, adding that learning about the culture and daily lives of regular Chinese people has been incredibly enjoyable. The community on RedNote has been described as 'super welcoming' by Marcus Robinson. 'I love RedNote so far … I just need to learn how to speak Mandarin! ' he exclaimed.