CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Security

Taiwan Suspends Chinese App Xiaohongshu For One Year Over 1,700+ Fraud Cases And Security Risks

09:33 PM, 12/04/2025
Taiwan Suspends Chinese App Xiaohongshu For One Year Over 1,700+ Fraud Cases And Security Risks

Taiwan's Interior Ministry announced a provisional one-year suspension of the Chinese social app Xiaohongshu, citing links to more than 1,700 fraud cases and security failures. Authorities say the platform, used by about 3 million people in Taiwan, is associated with T$247.68 million (≈$7.91M) in reported losses and failed all 15 government cybersecurity indicators. The ministry will block access while urging the company to appoint a local legal representative and comply with Taiwanese law; further action depends on the company's response.

Taiwan Moves To Block Xiaohongshu Over Fraud And Cybersecurity Concerns

Taiwan's Interior Ministry announced on Thursday that it will suspend access to the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu (known in English as Rednote) for a provisional period of one year, citing national security risks and the platform's alleged role in more than 1,700 fraud cases since 2024.

The ministry said the app, used by roughly 3 million people in Taiwan, has been linked to reported losses of T$247.68 million (about $7.91 million) since last year. A government cybersecurity assessment reportedly found Xiaohongshu failed all 15 indicators.

Legal And Investigative Concerns

Authorities said Xiaohongshu's noncompliance with Taiwanese law has hindered fraud investigations and created a "substantive legal vacuum" that prevents effective enforcement. The Interior Ministry warned that the platform must appoint a local legal representative and submit to Taiwan's jurisdiction if it wishes to operate in the market.

“All platforms operating within Taiwan must comply with local legal frameworks,” the ministry said, advising citizens not to download the app and urging current users to stop using it and switch to other platforms that meet information-security standards.

Next Steps

The ministry said it will issue an order to block and restrict internet access to Xiaohongshu for one year. Further measures will depend on whether the company responds in good faith and complies with Taiwanese laws and regulations. Taiwan reportedly contacted Xiaohongshu’s Shanghai-based parent company in October seeking concrete measures to protect user data, but received no satisfactory response.

Context

Taiwan has repeatedly warned about risks associated with some mainland Chinese apps—including potential data security issues and disinformation originating from Beijing. Taiwan’s democratically elected government rejects China’s territorial claim over the island.

Exchange rate: $1 = 31.3050 Taiwan dollars.

Reporting by Ben Blanchard; additional reporting by Casey Hall in Shanghai; edited by Sharon Singleton.

Similar Articles

Trending