Red Note Security Risk

Summary

Since mid-January 2025, US-based users of TikTok have been flocking to the Chinese application “RedNote” due to rumors of an imminent TikTok ban in the US. Security risks for RedNote are even higher than those of TikTok, and the platform should be avoided. Evidence of foreign elicitation, identity collection, and anti-US content has been observed.

“RedNote” (Chinese name: Xiaohongshu) is a popular lifestyle application in China. As of January 20, many American TikTok users have signed up en masse for RedNote. Some US users have already begun posting personal images and videos, including sensitive content such as locations, personal routines, and identifiable details. Other instances on the app show AI-generated images used to impersonate prominent individuals or spread misleading information.

Unlike TikTok, RedNote does not have separate versions for Chinese and international users. Users in mainland China can directly interact with and view content from US-based users. The platform strictly controls content and bans any discussion of the Chinese government. RedNote requires “real identity verification” to post content by linking the account to a phone number registered in the user’s name or uploading an image of the user’s passport. IP location (country) is listed in the user’s profile information page.

Chinese users on RedNote have been observed eliciting information regarding sensitive topics, such as personal details, professional affiliations, and locations, from posts made by US citizens. Posts made by Americans before the mass influx of new accounts in mid-January 2025 did not receive these types of comments overtly.

Risks

RedNote user data is stored exclusively on servers located in mainland China. Under China’s National Security Laws, the government can demand access to this data at any time. Users must agree to the terms of service in order to create an account, but these terms are only displayed in Chinese, with no English translation available. RedNote suppresses discussion of sensitive topics regarding China, Chinese political figures, and banned keywords. In December 2022, the government of Taiwan banned public employees from using RedNote due to significant security concerns. The Chinese government could direct the platform to adjust its algorithms to spread anti-US content.

For additional information contact us at Peralta Associates and Defense at (888) 719-5378 or via Email to info@peraltadefense.com for more information.

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