Rednote: the dark side of TikTok’s refuge, where censorship masks itself as freedom and erodes user autonomy.

As TikTok encounters significant challenges in Western markets, users are migrating to RedNote, the international version of Xiaohongshu.

Though it presents itself as a lifestyle platform similar to TikTok, RedNote operates under a more stringent framework shaped by Chinese censorship laws.

While TikTok promotes free expression, RedNote prioritises compliance with China’s regulatory standards, emphasising socialist values over free speech.

Initially, Western users may not recognise the platform’s censorship, but RedNote’s moderation suppresses dissent and encourages self-censorship regarding sensitive political topics.

Reports indicate that posts addressing issues like Chinese cybersecurity laws or human rights in Xinjiang are often removed. Guidelines for handling politically sensitive content reflect a systematic approach to censorship.

This environment conditions users, particularly young people, to avoid discussing controversial topics, effectively narrowing the range of acceptable discourse.

RedNote’s algorithms favour state-approved content, reinforcing a controlled narrative.

The normalization of this trade-off between freedom and control is concerning. Many young users may not fully understand the implications of their consent to the platform’s extensive data collection practices.

RedNote’s privacy policy indicates that it collects a range of personal data, which can be shared with third parties, posing significant privacy risks.