Taiwan bans Chinese app RedNote over rising fraud concerns

Taiwan has announced a one year ban on access to the Chinese social media and e commerce app RedNote, also known internationally as Xiaohongshu, after authorities linked the platform to a surge in online shopping scams. The decision will affect an estimated three million users on the island and marks one of Taiwan’s strongest moves yet to curb the influence of Chinese digital platforms.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau said it had uncovered more than 1,700 fraud cases linked to RedNote since last year, with reported losses exceeding NT$247 million, the equivalent of about £5.9 million or $7.9 million. Officials say scammers have exploited the platform’s shopping features, using fake storefronts and misleading advertisements to lure victims into transferring money for goods that never arrive.

RedNote, which blends TikTok style short videos with lifestyle content and built in e commerce, has grown rapidly across Asia and among global diaspora communities. Its popularity in Taiwan made it a prime target for fraud networks, according to investigators, who say the platform’s social features help scammers build trust before initiating fraudulent transactions.

Under the new directive, Taiwanese internet service providers have been ordered to block access to the app for a full year. The ban is expected to go into effect immediately, cutting off millions of users from a platform they frequently rely on for fashion recommendations, travel tips and cross border online shopping. The authorities say they will continue to monitor similar apps for suspicious activity.

Local analysts note that tensions between Taiwan and mainland China add a political layer to the decision, though officials insist the ban is based solely on consumer protection concerns. Cybersecurity experts say Chinese apps with integrated commerce functions have become increasingly attractive to fraud syndicates due to their large user bases and less stringent verification systems.

The BBC has approached Xiaohongshu and Taiwan’s government for comment, though neither has issued a response so far. In previous incidents where its platform faced scrutiny, Xiaohongshu has said it works to combat illegal activity and remove malicious accounts, but Taiwanese investigators say scam operations on RedNote have grown too large to contain.

For Taiwanese consumers who have come to rely on the app, the ban is likely to cause significant disruption. Many small merchants who use RedNote to reach younger audiences may also be affected. Authorities have encouraged users to be cautious on all social platforms, stressing that fraud schemes often migrate quickly when restrictions are imposed.

The ban underscores Taiwan’s growing focus on digital security and consumer protection at a time when online scams are rising across the region. Whether RedNote can return after the one year ban may depend on the company’s ability to convince regulators it can better safeguard its users.