Islam Times - TikTok Users Flock to Chinese App RedNote amid Ban Threat

Islam Times - As a potential ban on TikTok looms in the US, users are migrating to RedNote, a Chinese app, which has quickly become the most downloaded on Apple's US App Store.

With a US ban on TikTok possibly days away, users are transitioning to RedNote, a popular Chinese app, dubbing themselves "TikTok refugees."

The app surged to the top of Apple’s US App Store on Monday, driven by its growing popularity among users wary of TikTok’s uncertain future.

RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, is a blend of TikTok and Instagram, offering lifestyle tips ranging from dating to fashion. It boasts approximately 300 million monthly users, primarily young urban women across Mandarin-speaking regions.

The US Supreme Court is set to rule on a law mandating TikTok to sell its US operations by January 19 or face a ban. TikTok has rejected the idea of selling its US business, arguing that such a ban would infringe on free speech rights for its 170 million US users.

Meanwhile, RedNote has welcomed its influx of new users, with over 63,000 posts under the hashtag "TikTok refugee." Users are sharing guidance on navigating the app and basic Chinese phrases.

"To our Chinese hosts, thanks for having us - sorry in advance for the chaos," one new user wrote.

However, like TikTok, RedNote has faced allegations of censorship, particularly concerning criticism of the Chinese government. In Taiwan, public officials are barred from using the app over security concerns linked to Chinese software.

As US users flock to RedNote, some Chinese users have humorously referred to themselves as "Chinese spies," a nod to US fears about TikTok’s potential use for espionage.

Despite these concerns, users like Sarah Fotheringham, a school canteen worker in Utah, see joining RedNote as a way to defy the government.

"I'm just a simple person living a simple life," Fotheringham told the BBC. "I don't have anything that China doesn't, and if they want my data that bad, they can have it."

Marcus Robinson, a fashion designer in Virginia, joined RedNote to promote his clothing brand, expressing only slight concern over the app’s terms, which are in Mandarin.

"I wasn't able to actually read them, so that was a little concerning," he admitted, "but I took my chance."

The impending TikTok ban would prevent app stores from offering it, potentially leading to its decline over time. Despite this, many users are already shifting to alternative platforms like RedNote.

Sydney Crawley, a tech worker in Tennessee, gained over 6,000 followers on RedNote within 24 hours and plans to continue building her presence there.

"I will continue to try to build a following and see what new connections, friendships, or opportunities it brings me," Crawley said.

For Fotheringham, RedNote has offered a glimpse into Chinese culture and daily life. "I am now able to see things I never would have seen," she said. "It has been so much fun."

Robinson also praised the community’s warm welcome. "I love RedNote so far... I just need to learn how to speak Mandarin!"