With a potential TikTok ban looming, users are flocking to RedNote and Lemon8, both Chinese-owned apps gaining traction in the US.
It’s a bit puzzling since these apps could also face the same divest-or-ban law that’s threatening TikTok. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act targets platforms owned by countries the US sees as adversaries. TikTok is in the crosshairs because its parent company, ByteDance, is based in China.
While TikTok is clearly named in the law, it raises eyebrows why Lemon8 is suddenly so popular. Christopher Krepich from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce mentioned that Lemon8 would be banned unless ByteDance divested. However, there’s been no word on whether Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, would be affected.
The law is broad and could apply to any app owned by a foreign adversary that allows users to create and share content. This could include Xiaohongshu if the government decides to go after it. There are some exceptions, like apps for posting product reviews, which might spare platforms like Shein and Temu.
Interestingly, the surge in downloads might be a way for TikTok users to protest the government’s actions. Some see it as a form of “trolltivism,” a playful way to push back against the divest-or-ban law. It’s a new twist on online activism, and it seems to resonate with Gen Z. They’re finding ways to express their discontent while still enjoying their favorite apps.
