According to the ministry, more than 1,700 fraud incidents traced to Xiaohongshu have occurred since the beginning of 2024. With an estimated 3 million users in Taiwan, those cases have resulted in financial losses totaling T$247.68 million (US$7.91 million). Authorities said the platform failed all 15 indicators in a government cybersecurity assessment, prompting the need for immediate action.
The National Police Agency, speaking through the ministry’s statement, explained that the app’s non-compliance with Taiwan’s legal requirements has hindered criminal investigations and created what they termed a “substantive legal vacuum.” Officials said this lack of cooperation has made it difficult to trace fraudulent activity and hold perpetrators accountable.
The government intends to issue an order blocking access to Xiaohongshu for one year, with the possibility of additional measures depending on the company’s willingness to comply with Taiwanese regulations. Authorities stressed that to operate in Taiwan, platforms must designate legal representatives within the country and adhere to all data-security and law-enforcement protocols.
Taipei previously reached out to Xiaohongshu’s parent company in Shanghai in October, requesting concrete steps to ensure data safety. According to Thursday’s statement, the company has yet to respond.
As part of its announcement, the ministry urged citizens to stop using the app entirely:
“Those who have already downloaded it should cease using it and switch to other legal platforms that meet information-security standards.”
The move comes amid Taiwan’s broader warnings about the risks associated with Chinese-developed applications, including concerns about fraud, data vulnerabilities, and Beijing-linked disinformation. Taiwan’s government, which remains democratically elected, consistently rejects China’s territorial claims and has underscored the need for vigilance in the digital sphere.