TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chinese social media platform RedNote (小紅書) surged to the top of Taiwan's App Store social apps category Saturday (Dec. 6) after the government banned it. The Ministry of the Interior (內政部) announced a one-year ban on Dec. 4. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), head of Taiwan's cabinet, warned the government may block RedNote's internet usage completely if security measures fail to improve.
The ban sparked significant public interest, prompting downloads from Taiwanese users that surpassed Threads in Taiwan's App Store. Influencer Cheap noted RedNote's user base, previously dominated by women, has expanded due to the government's ban. The surge highlights the disparity between governmental intentions and public curiosity.
Dr. Su I-feng (蘇一峰) suggested the more a government bans something, the more curious people become. He observed RedNote's surge to the top of social app rankings on Apple devices and second on Android. Su explained most Taiwanese might now think RedNote is good because the government has banned it.
Users commented the government's action has triggered a "Pandora effect," increasing interest through prohibition. Deputy Minister of the Interior Sawyer Mars (馬士元) emphasized blocking RedNote is a crucial step to ensure compliance with Taiwan's laws. Mars urged citizens to refrain from using the platform.