You might have heard that TikTok could soon be banned in the US. Talk of banning TikTok has been circulating for years. But why is the US so focused on this social media platform? According to an article in Reuters, FBI Director Chris Wray stated that TikTok poses a national security risk, explaining that Chinese companies are required to ‘do whatever the Chinese government wants them to in terms of sharing information or serving as a tool of the Chinese government’.
Wray also noted that the US operations of TikTok raise concerns because the Chinese government could potentially use the app to influence users or control their devices.
What would this mean for TikTok users in the US?
In short, if the US bans TikTok, app stores would likely be instructed to remove it – making it unavailable for download. Those who already have TikTok would still be able to use it, though updates would stop. Over time, the app could become glitchy, buggy, and vulnerable to security risks, potentially leaving frustrated users exposed to hackers.
Of course, where there’s a ban, there’s a way. TikTok already hosts tutorials on how to use VPNs to access apps from other regions. However, circumventing restrictions might violate terms of service, potentially causing more headaches than it’s worth.
What could replace TikTok in the US and beyond?
Currently, an app called Red Note (Xiaohongshu), which is also Chinese-owned, is gaining traction. As of today, 17 January 2025, it’s the most downloaded app in the UK, sitting at No. 1 in the free app charts.
The rapid growth of Red Note seems to be fuelled by the potential TikTok ban, with many users and content creators setting up accounts on the platform. But if TikTok is facing scrutiny for being Chinese-owned, where does this leave Red Note, which shares similar origins?
So what do parents and caregivers need to know?
As teenagers and young people hear about the potential TikTok ban, they may encounter online chatter or see videos from their favourite US TikTokers announcing they’re moving to Red Note (Xiaohongshu). Firstly, Red Note is very similar to TikTok and is centred around user-generated videos. Its algorithm suggests content based on interests and random selections, meaning your child could encounter inappropriate, unsettling, or unexpected material.
If TikTok wasn’t suitable for your child, Red Note likely won’t be either.
Red Note includes features such as commenting on videos, direct messaging, and live streaming, which increase the likelihood of interacting with strangers. The app store listing for Red Note also indicates that it may (interpret as likely to) collect and link the following data to users’ identities:
While Red Note offers a Teen Mode, much of the app is in Chinese, making it difficult to locate and activate. This mode reportedly focuses on educational content, disables in-app purchases, limits usage to 40 minutes per day, and restricts access to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Is Red Note the next big thing?
New apps, games, and platforms will always emerge, and this trend isn’t changing anytime soon. What’s particularly interesting about Red Note’s growth is how it’s being fuelled by concerns over TikTok, highlighting the ongoing importance of digital literacy and critical thinking. Helping young people make informed decisions about their online behaviour is more essential than ever.
As noted by our good friends at The White Hatters, ‘Young people are active participants in today’s online world, and their actions, even in defiance, reflect their values, frustrations, and hopes.”
A collaborative approach is key
The rapid changes in the digital landscape remind us that supporting young people requires collaboration between families, educators, and tech companies. Promoting safe and informed online habits will empower the next generation to navigate these spaces responsibly.
Stay safer online,
Wayne
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