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Over half a million new users have flocked to China’s social media app RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, in just a few days, as Americans seek alternatives to TikTok ahead of a potential U.S. ban. The app’s popularity skyrocketed after American social media users began searching for a platform to move to, with RedNote experiencing a surge in downloads in the U.S. and climbing to the second most-popular free app on the Apple App Store.

According to sources, the app gained more than 700,000 new users in just two days. User growth in the U.S. spiked by over 200% year-over-year and 194% from the previous week, based on estimates from app data firm Sensor Tower. The app, which allows users to curate photos, videos, and text, was initially designed for Chinese users but has expanded its reach internationally.

RedNote was caught by surprise by the rapid influx of English-speaking users and has begun scrambling to implement moderation strategies and translation tools to manage the new demographic. Unlike many Chinese apps, RedNote maintains a single version of its app, not differentiating between its Chinese and international user bases, which poses challenges for content moderation.

The spike in users comes as TikTok faces a looming January 19 deadline to either sell or face a ban in the U.S. due to national security concerns. RedNote’s surge is seen as a potential path for the platform to gain global popularity, similar to TikTok’s success. The app’s recent valuation stands at $17 billion, and it has become a popular tool in China for discovering travel tips, anti-aging products, and more.

Some American users view the shift to RedNote as a response to government overreach, with many joining the platform to explore alternatives to TikTok. Despite the excitement, others are skeptical about rebuilding their TikTok followings on a new platform.

 

EU Probes Secret Google-Meta Ad Deal Targeting Teens

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European regulators have intensified scrutiny of a secret advertising partnership between Google and Meta Platforms, which reportedly bypassed Google’s policies on protecting minors online. According to a Financial Times report, the now-canceled agreement targeted 13- to 17-year-old YouTube users to promote Meta’s Instagram platform.

The collaboration, revealed in August, initially operated within the United States but was poised for global expansion before being scrapped. Despite its termination, the European Commission continues to investigate the deal. Regulators are reviewing gathered evidence to determine whether further action is warranted, the report noted.

In October, the Commission directed Alphabet, Google’s parent company, to compile and analyze data, internal chats, emails, and presentations related to the campaign.

Industry Safeguards and Policy Updates

Google, which prohibits ad personalization for users under 18, defended its policies in response to the allegations. “The safeguards we have to protect teens, like prohibiting ad personalization, are industry-leading and continue to work,” a Google spokesperson stated via email. The company also emphasized its efforts to strengthen internal training for its sales teams to ensure compliance with these safeguards.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, had earlier enhanced privacy settings and introduced parental controls for Instagram accounts of users under 18. This move was part of a broader initiative to address mounting concerns about the mental health impact of social media on young people.

Potential Regulatory Actions

The European Commission has shared its findings with relevant authorities, who are evaluating whether to initiate formal actions against the companies involved. While Google and Meta have yet to comment directly on the partnership’s implications, this development underscores ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with privacy and advertising regulations for minors in the digital space.

Google’s restrictions prohibit ad targeting for minors based on age, gender, or interests, while Meta’s recent privacy upgrades highlight its intent to address criticisms of how its platforms affect teen well-being. However, this controversy has cast a spotlight on corporate practices regarding minors’ online safety and data privacy.