The decision to ban TikTok on grounds of national security concerns pushed numerous users to branch out and try other apps. Lemon8, which is also owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, grew in popularity as a result. At the same time, users looking to ‘stick it to Congress’ found solace in a completely different little red app identified only by Chinese characters: Xiaohongshu — dubbed “RedNote”. The pioneering social media users expressed little concern that their data might be harvested or used by China through invasive laws. In fact, a growing sentiment seems to be gaining traction: if my data is being collected everywhere, what difference does it make who is doing it?
RedNote user “2ndClassCitizen23” stated sarcastically in one post: “This message is for the Chinese government. I want to know if there’s anything I can do in assisting you in collecting my precious data.”
“No, I’m not concerned about the Chinese government having access to my information and data,” says Alexander, a student of Computer Science. “I already know my data is shared and sold more often than I’m aware of, so the potential of another government having access means little to me.”
He downloaded and signed up for RedNote shortly before the initial ban date, and he reports to have positive feelings of the experience. When asked what he would do if TikTok were to be banned, he had this to say:
“Personally, Instagram has always been my favorite social media platform to use. I would continue to use Instagram primarily, and download apps like RedNote to replace TikTok.”
Other TikTok users are reportedly more weary about giving out their data:
“This is hard to answer,” says Jen. “Yes, China could gain access to important data that would be catastrophic if their government were to start a war with America. However, our own government also has access to our personal data whether they admit it or not.”
She says she’s noticed changes in the apps that she uses like TikTok and Instagram and is interested in looking at alternatives like RedNote.
Do you think it is a good idea to require the app [TikTok] to be sold to a US company?
“If it’s sold to a US company, I believe it will be used by our government to track us even more. Any US company that has the capital to purchase it is ‘in bed’ with politicians.”
On January 14th during the days leading up to the ban, RedNote spiked to the top spot on the US Apple Store going from merely 700,000 US users to well over 3 million in a single day. A number of them made video posts proclaiming to be “TikTok refugees”, and in turn many Chinese users responded kindly and welcomed them. They were also quick to joke with the newcomers about being secret spies, and demanded Americans provide them their “data” in the form of cute pet pictures.
Despite the interface being entirely in Mandarin Chinese, including the terms of service, it didn’t stop the influx of English-speaking users. In fact, many Chinese users began posting in English to accommodate and even asking for help with their English homework. Chinese and American social media users are typically isolated from each other due to Chinese censorship laws which block platforms like Google, Facebook, and TikTok (they have a separate version called Douyin). This makes it a rare opportunity for average people who are worlds apart to learn more about each other! Some Chinese were surprised by what Americans do for work, meanwhile some Americans were surprised by China’s diversity and many languages. To see people living in both China and America actually be able to positively interact on a large scale was groundbreaking, and very wholesome!
Although it’s been an overall positive experience for most social media users, some Chinese were quick to point out tips to avoid being censored on RedNote. LGBTQ content and posts featuring indecent dress or criticizing the Chinese government are often removed or end with a shadowban. China’s more strict censorship laws may be something that Americans are unaccustomed to and upset by, so the question of whether the app has staying power with its American users is yet to be determined. TikTok was taken down briefly for a few days, but is currently back up for those who already have the app downloaded onto their device. It is worth noting that it is likely that RedNote will be subject to the same scrutiny as TikTok, and thus the question arises: would it eventually also face a ban?
Users of the short-form video app TikTok were braced with uncertaint the days leading up to the ban on January 19th. Some users posted their final goodbyes and reflections of their time on the app and the events unfolding. Many who had utilized the platform to help grow their businesses or spread awareness to issues important to them were understandably pretty upset. When the bi-partisan decision by the US government went into effect on Saturday — earlier than expected — the app finally went dark. Then on Sunday afternoon, the app was restored by a temporary freeze on the ban. This freeze gives ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, 75 days to find a suitable deal within the United States and sell TikTok, or cease operation.
Concerns over data privacy and content manipulation were given as reasons for the ban. ByteDance operates out of China, which means that it is subject to that country’s comparatively invasive laws over data privacy. Namely, the government may require any company to share data simply upon request. This makes it easier for China to obtain data. In the United States there are at least more barriers to access: the government can acquire data through a warrant or a subpoena, or from data brokers who purchase data from sites and apps that sell to third-parties. In the case of RedNote, there may in fact be more risk than TikTok because the app’s servers are directly in China, placing all data outside US oversight. Additionally, there is a fear among lawmakers that China would be able to strong-arm a company into “tipping the scales” so to speak and covertly manipulate content aimed at American users.
President Donald Trump has stated that he is working to keep TikTok alive in the United States by pushing for a deal with a suitable American buyer. The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, has also expressed looking forward to working with him. At the time of publishing, the ultimate fate of TikTok is still up in the air.
