Taiwan Opposition Decries Year-Long Block of Xiaohongshu, Citing Internet Freedom Concerns
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Taiwan’s main opposition party has sharply criticized the government’s decision to block access to the popular social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote, for one year, raising concerns about escalating internet restrictions on the island. The move, announced on Thursday, alleges cybersecurity risks and fraudulent activity as justification for the ban.
KMT Accusations of a “Great Firewall”
The Kuomintang (KMT) party, Taiwan’s primary opposition force, argues the blockade represents a significant curtailment of internet freedom and a step toward establishing a digital barrier akin to China’s “Great Firewall.” In a statement released Friday, KMT President Cheng Li-wun asserted that the suspension of Xiaohongshu “is the first step to building a ‘great firewall’ of the internet” in Taiwan.
Cheng, who recently assumed leadership of the KMT with a platform emphasizing improved relations with Beijing, further contended that blocking the platform “not only does it not prevent fraud, but it represents an enormous restriction on freedom on the Internet.” He highlighted the platform’s appeal as a space for open discussion, stating, “Seeing that Xiaohongshu users, without distinction of nationality or political affiliation, can harmoniously discuss topics such as beauty, clothing or daily life, that is precisely what the PDP (Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan’s ruler) least wants to see.”
Government Cites Cybersecurity and Fraud
Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior announced the one-year blockade of Xiaohongshu on December 5, 2025, citing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities and reports of fraudulent activities occurring on the platform. The platform boasts over 3 million users on the island. This decision follows repeated warnings from Taiwanese authorities regarding the potential security risks associated with applications originating from China.
Geopolitical Context and Taiwan’s Autonomy
Taiwan, which has been governed autonomously since 1949, remains a point of contention with Beijing, which views the island as an “inalienable part” of its territory. The ongoing tensions have fueled increased scrutiny of cross-strait digital interactions and a heightened awareness of potential cybersecurity threats. The blockade of Xiaohongshu underscores the complex interplay between technological security, political considerations, and the preservation of civil liberties in Taiwan.
The move is likely to further intensify debate surrounding Taiwan’s digital sovereignty and its approach to managing the influence of Chinese technology companies. The KMT’s criticism suggests a growing divide on this issue, with the opposition advocating for a more open internet environment and the ruling party prioritizing security concerns.
