TikTok’s US Ban, Data Privacy Gaps, and China’s Rising App Xiaohongshu

TikTok has become a household name in the United States, with millions of users engaging with its bite-sized, engaging videos daily. However, starting January 19th, TikTok will no longer be available in the US. This decision stems from growing concerns that the app allows the Chinese government to access US citizens’ data. The announcement has sparked debates and led to a wave of reactions from users and policymakers alike.

The TikTok Ban

The US government’s concerns about TikTok aren’t new. Officials have raised alarms over the app’s data practices and alleged ties to the Chinese government for years. The fear is that TikTok collects personal information from its users and could potentially share this data with Chinese authorities.

This issue escalated when ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, faced scrutiny under national security investigations. Despite TikTok’s insistence that it stores US user data on domestic servers and does not share it with Beijing, skepticism persisted. The looming ban reflects the US government’s stance that these assurances are insufficient to eliminate security risks.

How Long Has This Been in the Making?

Efforts to ban TikTok in the US date back to 2020 when then-President Donald Trump attempted to impose restrictions on the app. Although these efforts were blocked by courts at the time, the push for action continued. Recent bipartisan concerns about data security and geopolitical tensions with China finally brought the issue to a head in 2025.

Is China Really Stealing Data?

China’s involvement in TikTok’s operations remains a contentious topic. ByteDance denies accusations that it has shared US user data with the Chinese government. Yet, critics argue that Chinese laws could compel the company to provide such information if requested. While definitive proof of data misuse remains elusive, the potential risks have been enough to prompt decisive action.

The US Lacks a Federal Data Privacy Law

While the US government takes a bold step by banning TikTok, it’s worth noting that the country still lacks a federal law to protect its citizens’ data comprehensively. Unlike the European GDPR, which establishes clear guidelines for data privacy across member states, the US has a patchwork of state-level laws. This approach leaves significant gaps in protection.

State-Level Privacy Laws

Some states, such as California with its CCPA and CPRA, have a set privacy law in place. However, many states still lack formal legislation. This fragmented system creates confusion for businesses and leaves millions of Americans without adequate safeguards for their personal data.

The American Privacy Rights Act (APRA)

In 2024, a draft of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) emerged as a potential solution. This proposed law aims to unify data privacy standards across the country, similar to the GDPR. While promising, the APRA has yet to be fully implemented, leaving the US in a precarious position.

For a deeper dive into US compliance laws, explore these blogs:

• Data Privacy in 2025: What US Businesses Need to Know
• A Complete US Compliance Laws Guide

Xiaohongshu: The New TikTok?

As TikTok prepares to exit the US market, another Chinese app is quickly gaining traction: Xiaohongshu, known as Red Note in English. This app has seen a surge in downloads, particularly among Americans who view adopting it as an act of defiance against the ban.

What is Xiaohongshu?

Xiaohongshu is a social media app that combines elements of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Its user base primarily consists of young people sharing lifestyle content, product reviews, and short videos. With TikTok out of the picture, Xiaohongshu appears ready to fill the void.

An Act of Protest

Interestingly, many US citizens are flocking to Red Note precisely because it is a Chinese app. By downloading and actively using Xiaohongshu, they see it as a symbolic act of protest against the US government’s decision to ban TikTok. This move reflects growing frustration among users who feel their digital freedom is being restricted. For some, embracing another Chinese platform is a way to voice their discontent and challenge the narrative of data security concerns. So, ignoring their government's fears, American users are already helping your students with their English homework and learning basic Chinese phrases on the new platform.

The Welcome Message from Its CEO

Xiaohongshu’s CEO has openly welcomed US users, promising a platform that values creativity and self-expression. However, this warm reception raises questions about the app’s long-term safety and its compliance with US data protection standards.

Is It Safe for US Users?

Given Xiaohongshu’s Chinese ownership, similar concerns about data privacy and potential government surveillance apply. US citizens should carefully review the app’s terms and conditions before signing up. With the TikTok ban serving as a precedent, it’s also possible that Xiaohongshu could face future restrictions.

In Conclusion

The TikTok ban marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle between data privacy, national security, and global technology. As US citizens adapt to life without TikTok, the emergence of alternatives like Xiaohongshu highlights the challenges of balancing convenience with privacy concerns. At the same time, the lack of a federal data protection law leaves Americans vulnerable to potential risks.

Whether through better legislation or smarter tech choices, the road ahead requires careful navigation. The TikTok ban might be the beginning of a larger conversation about how the US handles data privacy in the digital age.