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As TikTok faces a potential nationwide ban, thousands of Americans flock to another Chinese app in retaliation: RedNote. However, this app, too, may now face the same threat.
Dexerto has reported that legal experts are now urging netizens to exercise caution when using such apps, as there is a possibility that all Chinese apps may be banned from app stores. Just this January, RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, became the most downloaded app in the nation.
RedNote may now face the same threat as TikTok: Here's what we know so far
(Post via @outsoldnation/X)
RedNote has been described as a mix of Pinterest and Instagram, and so far, major influencers like Pokimane have been endorsing it as the perfect alternative to TikTok. However, Neil Elan of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP says there's a good chance the app might get scrapped soon:
“Well, the big concern is, do we know the framework for the analysis?” he began. “Would it be the same? What are the ties to the Chinese government, and what national security concerns are posed? It would be a fact-by-fact basis. You would have to analyze the ownership structure, the involvement of the Chinese government, the bylaws and regulations governing these different companies."
He went on, reflecting on how all apps similar to TikTok would be subject to the same laws that bring forth a ban on the app in the first place:
“If the facts for RedNote, Lemon8, and any other similar company are akin to TikTok, then there certainly would be precedent to have those regulated in the same way as TikTok. There are alternative social media platforms available, but if they fall in the TikTok camp, you can expect a strong cohort that would push for equal treatment and potential banning.”
He explained that the government's biggest reason for axing the app from the nation's app stores is privacy concerns, as mentioned by the FBI back in 2022, Dexerto has reported. The government has cited concerns that the Chinese may steal data.
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Hence, TikTok's parent company, ByteDance has no choice but to either scrap the app from the market or sell it to a non-Chinese developer for Americans to be able to access it.
At the time of writing, Reuters has clocked in over 50,000 “TikTok Refugees” swarming to RedNote. Over the span of only two days, well over 700,000 new users have joined the app. Downloads for the app soared by 200% this week alone, the outlet has reported, a staggering 194% more than the week before.
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