Congress

‘RedNote’ Becomes a ‘Red Scare’: Republicans Already Want to Ban This TikTok Alternative

“It provides an opportunity for the CCP to further influence Americans,” Rep. Dan Newhouse said of Xiaohongshu, known as “RedNote” in the U.S.

Icons for the apps Xiaohongshu (RedNote) and TikTok.

Icons for the smartphone apps Xiaohongshu and TikTok are seen on a smartphone screen in Beijing. Andy Wong/AP

By Mark Alfred and Samuel Larreal

January 15, 2025 07:08 PM

With just a few days left before a looming ban on TikTok, users are flocking to another China-based short-form-video platform: Xiaohongshu.

Lawmakers who voted to ban TikTok now say that app is also in their crosshairs.

“It’s just another way to skirt the idea that they want to influence our children in negative ways,” Rep. Rich McCormick told NOTUS. “We will legislate against them. I mean, we have to. We have to protect our youth. We have to protect the future of this country.”