On Wednesday, the Taiwan authorities, led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), hit the pause button on RedNote, a Shanghai-based social media app with over 3 million users in the Taiwan region (70% under 35!). The Chinese mainland’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Chen Binhua, called the one-year ban "a trampling on democracy" that blocks Taiwan people – especially young users – from info and income sources. 🚫📱
RedNote is a go-to for tips on fashion, beauty, travel and daily hacks – think of it as a hybrid of Instagram meets Pinterest. For many young creators in the Taiwan region, it’s also a side hustle, so the ban could hit wallets as much as it slashes social feeds. 💸
Chen says friendly exchanges on RedNote let Taiwan people see life on the Chinese mainland beyond headlines, breaking the "echo chamber" that Taiwan authorities have built. He adds the ban exposes fear in the smear campaign against the Chinese mainland.
Critics warn that cutting off digital platforms can backfire: instead of protecting locals, it can fuel a hunger for uncensored info and push users to less-regulated spaces. Content creators are now scrambling for new channels to connect, share and earn. 🔄
With digital rights and freedom of expression topping global youth agendas, this showdown over RedNote in the Taiwan region shows how social media bans are never just about apps – they’re about access, income and the stories we choose to hear. 🌏✨
Reference(s):
RedNote ban undermines freedom, harms interests of Taiwan people
cgtn.com
