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RedNote has quickly gained popularity as a go-to platform for sharing short videos, much like its competitor TikTok. However, with the rise of new apps, especially those based in other countries, concerns about privacy and security are never far behind.
So, is RedNote safe to use? In this Mysterium VPN blog post, we’ll dive into what you need to know about the app’s data practices, security features, and how to protect yourself while using it.
Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's safety or just someone who loves sharing short-form video content, this guide has you covered.
What is RedNote?
RedNote has gained massive popularity as a platform for sharing video content. It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone to start browsing, uploading, and sharing videos.
The app is often compared to other video-sharing platforms like TikTok due to its similar format, focusing on short-form content.
- RedNote (Xiaohongshu, or "little red book") is a Chinese social media app focused on short videos and lifestyle content.
- Founded by: RedNote was launched by a Chinese company, originally Xiaohongshu, in 2013.
- Headquarters: Based in Shanghai, China.
- User demographic: Primarily popular among younger users, especially millennials and Gen Z.
- User base: RedNote has millions of active users worldwide, with a significant following in China and growing interest in other markets.
Is RedNote Safe?
So, is RedNote safe to use? Well, it depends on what you value most in terms of security and privacy. RedNote collects data, and that data includes not only browsing habits and preferences but also potentially sensitive personal information.
The app requests various permissions — such as access to your camera, microphone, and location — when you first download it, which is common for most social platforms. However, some users find the app's permissions a bit intrusive, raising questions about whether all this data collection is necessary.
What might make users pause is RedNote's ties to a China-based parent company. In many cases, Chinese apps face heightened scrutiny due to concerns about government access to user data.
This includes worries over national security and whether the Chinese government could potentially use the app's data collection for surveillance purposes. So, while RedNote may feel like a fun and harmless way to share content, these underlying concerns aren’t entirely unfounded.
How to Stay Safe on Social Media
If you're using RedNote (or any social media platform), it's important to take steps to protect your privacy and security. Here are some tips to stay safe while sharing content online:
Use a VPN
A VPN like Mysterium VPN can help protect your data by encrypting your internet traffic. This prevents your personal information from being intercepted, especially on public Wi-Fi or when browsing on the go. Plus, it hides your location, making it harder for apps to track your movements.
Review App Permissions
Before hitting "accept" during installation, take a moment to review the permissions the app requests. Does it need access to your contacts, camera, or location? Disable any permissions that aren't necessary for the app’s core functions. You’re in control of what the app can access.
Limit the Information You Share
Be mindful of what you share on the platform. The more personal information you provide, the more data the app can collect. Avoid sharing sensitive details like financial info or your home address unless absolutely necessary.
Adjust Privacy Settings
Most apps, including RedNote, allow you to set privacy controls. Make sure you're aware of these settings and customize them so only the people you want to see your content can view it.
Stay Vigilant About Inappropriate Content
Social media platforms can sometimes host harmful or inappropriate content. If you come across something disturbing, report it immediately. This helps keep the platform safer for everyone.
Monitor Screen Time
Keep an eye on how much time you're spending on RedNote or other platforms. Excessive screen time can lead to privacy risks and personal security issues. It’s important to take breaks and manage your online presence wisely.
The TikTok Ban and the Rise of Rednote
The TikTok ban in the United States stems from national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. Lawmakers fear that ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, could be compelled by Chinese authorities to share user data, potentially compromising U.S. national security.
In response, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA) was enacted, mandating ByteDance to divest TikTok by January 19, 2025, or face a ban.
ByteDance challenged this law, but the U.S. Supreme Court upheld it, emphasizing the potential risks associated with foreign control over the app.
As the divestment deadline approached, many users began seeking alternatives, leading to a surge in the popularity of apps like RedNote (known as Xiaohongshu in China).
RedNote offers features reminiscent of TikTok, including short-form videos and engaging communities, while also standing out with its emphasis on personal interests over influencer-driven content.
On January 18, 2025, TikTok suspended its services in the U.S. in anticipation of the ban. However, following assurances from President Donald Trump, the app restored access the next day.
President Trump then signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of the ban by 75 days to explore potential solutions, including a possible sale or restructuring of TikTok's U.S. operations.
Looking ahead, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. The 75-day extension provides a window for negotiations and potential resolutions, but if ByteDance doesn't divest TikTok within this period, the ban could be enforced.
Is RedNote’s Data Privacy Policy Reliable?
The app's privacy policies are an important piece of the puzzle when evaluating whether RedNote is truly safe. RedNote’s privacy policies mention that it collects user data for purposes such as improving its algorithm, personalizing user experiences, and facilitating e-commerce.
However, this does raise questions about the extent of data collection and whether it could be shared with third parties — possibly even the Chinese government, given the app's origins.
While RedNote does implement data encryption, it’s still crucial to stay informed about any changes to these policies, especially with looming privacy risks.
Parents, in particular, should be cautious about the amount of personal information children might be sharing while using the app.
Even though RedNote offers access controls, there’s no way to guarantee complete safety if sensitive data is shared carelessly. It's essential to educate kids on the potential privacy risks and help them set boundaries on what they share online.
Content Moderation and Censorship
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) enforces strict rules against advertising and linking to external sites, with actions like sharing WeChat contacts or discussing prices leading to account suspensions.
In 2022, leaked documents revealed that Xiaohongshu censors posts about politically sensitive topics, such as derogatory references to Xi Jinping, labor strikes, the Tiananmen Square protests, and criticism of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
As its American user base grew, the platform began recruiting English-speaking moderators to handle content review.
In January 2025, Xiaohongshu announced plans to prioritize more "positive" content, following a directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China.
Reports also suggest efforts to limit politically sensitive posts, especially those from overseas users, while some American accounts were flagged for non-political reasons, like revealing clothing.
How to Protect Yourself While Using RedNote
There are a few things users can do to RedNote safely, even if they choose to continue using the app. Start by setting up a standalone account — this way, your primary email, phone number, and other personal details remain separate from your RedNote profile.
Adjust the app's privacy settings to limit who can view your videos, and turn off location tracking unless absolutely necessary. If you're concerned about the app’s security risks, use a VPN like Mysterium VPN to keep your browsing habits private, especially if you’re sharing personal or sensitive information.
Remember, even with all the precautions in place, no platform is 100% secure. But by staying informed about potential risks and implementing safety measures like a VPN, you can enjoy RedNote’s features with greater peace of mind.
Advice for Parents Whose Young Children Join Social Media
Here is some advice for parents whose little ones are getting old enough to join social platforms!
Privacy and Safety Concerns
- Teach them about privacy settings and the risks of sharing personal information.
- Ensure your child is old enough for the platform.
- Explain the importance of not talking to strangers online.
- Regularly check their friends list and the content they post or engage with.
- Show them how to verify information and recognize misinformation.
Kindness and Emotional Wellbeing
- Keep an open dialogue about their online experiences.
- Teach them about cyberbullying.
- Use parental controls where available.
- Let them know they can come to you with any concerns or uncomfortable experiences.
- Explain the importance of being kind and respectful online.
Conclusion
So, is RedNote safe? The app does come with some privacy and security concerns, particularly due to its Chinese origins and the potential for government access to user data.
However, with the right precautions, such as reviewing app permissions and using a VPN, you can minimize those risks and still enjoy RedNote’s fun, user-friendly platform.
At the end of the day, staying informed about how apps like RedNote collect and use your data is key to staying safe in the digital world.
