rednote: The Privacy Risks of TikTok’s new Rival
The recent ban of TikTok in certain regions and the rise of alternative platforms like RedNote and Lemon8 have sparked concerns about user privacy. While TikTok has returned to the US, RedNote’s downloads are surging, raising questions about how well these new apps protect sensitive user data.
Marc rivero, a principal security researcher at Kaspersky GReAT, notes that the shift towards alternatives like RedNote and Lemon8 reflects the uncertainty surrounding TikTok. While both apps, similar to giants like Meta and TikTok, collect user interactions, device data, and location details for personalization and advertising, RedNote takes a more aggressive approach.
RedNote requests significantly more sensitive information than its competitors, including real names, identity photos, and even skin tone tests. This data is notably relevant for features like e-commerce tools and verified livestreams. This extensive data collection, coupled with social media and e-commerce functionalities, significantly increases the potential risks to users’ financial data.
If vulnerabilities exist within RedNote’s security, it’s not just browsing habits and likes that are at risk, but also personal identification and perhaps more sensitive information. The app’s privacy policy lacks clarity on how this deeper layer of personal data is handled or secured, leaving users with unanswered questions about its data management practices.In contrast, Lemon8 adheres to a more conventional model of collecting personal data for advertising and collaborations. While this still raises privacy concerns as shared data becomes harder to track or control, it doesn’t reach the same level of detailed data collection as RedNote.Kaspersky strongly advises users to carefully review the privacy policies of any app they download and consider the potential risks associated with sharing their data. Users must make informed decisions about where and how their personal information is stored and used. examining app policies and critically evaluating shared data are crucial steps in protecting one’s digital footprint.
RedNote: Is TikTok’s Replacement a Privacy Nightmare?
Time.news Editor: Marc, the recent TikTok bans adn the rise of alternatives like RedNote have everyone talking about user privacy. With RedNote’s downloads surging, what are your biggest concerns about this new app?
Marc Rivero, Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky GReAT: The shift towards alternatives like RedNote highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding data privacy on social media platforms.While both RedNote and Lemon8, like other giants like Meta and TikTok, collect user interactions, device data, and location details for personalization and advertising, rednote takes a much more aggressive approach.
Time.news Editor: Aggressive, how so?
Marc Rivero: RedNote requests significantly more sensitive information than its competitors. We are talking about real names, identity photos, and even skin tone tests. This data, especially when coupled with the app’s social media and e-commerce functionalities, significantly increases the potential risks to users’ financial data.
Time.news Editor: That’s worrying. What if there are vulnerabilities in RedNote’s security?
Marc Rivero: If vulnerabilities exist, it’s not just browsing habits and likes at risk. We’re talking about personal identification and perhaps even more sensitive information. The app’s privacy policy lacks clarity on how this deeper layer of personal data is handled or secured. Users are left with unanswered questions about its data management practices.
Time.news Editor: And Lemon8? How does it compare?
Marc Rivero: Lemon8 sticks to a more conventional model of collecting personal data for advertising and collaborations. While this still raises privacy concerns as shared data becomes harder to track or control, it doesn’t reach the same level of detailed data collection as RedNote.
Time.news editor: What advice would you give to our readers who are considering using RedNote or any other new social media app?
Marc Rivero: Always carefully review the privacy policies of any app you download. Understand the potential risks associated with sharing your data. Make informed decisions about were and how your personal information is stored and used. Examining app policies critically and evaluating the data you’re sharing are crucial steps in protecting your digital footprint.
