Early in January 2025 it seemed like TikTok was on the verge of being banned by the U.S. government. In reaction to this imminent ban, several million people in the United States signed up for a diffe...
Read Full Article »Crimson Memo: Analyzing the Privacy Impact of Xiaohongshu AKA Red Note
Discussion Points
- The consequences of sharing data with foreign companies, particularly those with ties to governments with questionable human rights records.
- The role of social media platforms in collecting and exploiting user data, and the importance of encryption in protecting user privacy.
- The implications of using Chinese-made apps on user security, particularly in light of recent reports highlighting potential vulnerabilities.
Summary
Millions of US users flocked to RedNote, a China-based social network, amid concerns of a TikTok ban. Critics raised alarms about entrusting data to a Chinese company, but users responded with a "privacy nihilism" that prioritized convenience over security.
A recent report by Citizen Lab revealed serious security issues with the app, including plaintext HTTP requests for user content. The EFF Threat Lab confirmed these findings and conducted additional investigations, highlighting the need for basic transport layer encryption.
As users consider alternative social media options, it's essential to weigh convenience against potential security risks.