'TikTok refugees': Great divide between the public and the government

CMG - China Media Group

14 January 2025

The recent surge of foreign users flocking to a Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu, following the looming threat of TikTok's ban in the U.S., has given rise to the term "TikTok refugees." This mass migration to an alternative platform underscores a deeper divide between government policies and public sentiment. As Xiaohongshu climbed to the top of Apple's App Store on Monday, it became evident that many members of the public remain unconvinced by the government's rationale for targeting TikTok.

At the heart of this issue lies the question of national security. The U.S. government has repeatedly asserted that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, poses a significant threat to U.S. national security due to potential data privacy concerns and the possibility of foreign interference. 

However, the public's apparent disregard for these concerns, reflected in their enthusiastic adoption of Xiaohongshu, suggests a growing skepticism toward such claims. Some individuals have expressed a preference for using Chinese apps over American social platforms like Facebook, owned by U.S. tech giant Meta. Certain American bloggers have called on their followers to join them in downloading and using Xiaohongshu as a way to voice dissatisfaction with the U.S. government and Meta. Some of these bloggers have even planned a week-long boycott of Meta’s social media platforms in protest.

Abby (@abby4thepeople), a user on X, formerly Twitter, said thousands of people downloading Xiaohongshu to spite the U.S. government, finding themselves having interactions with millions of Chinese citizens on the app and inadvertently undoing decades of U.S. propaganda.
With the rise of platforms like Xiaohongshu, which offer unique features and cater to specific niches, such as high-quality visual content, luxury goods and lifestyle inspiration, users are increasingly seeking alternatives.

Several factors could contribute to this disconnect between government and public opinion. First, the lack of concrete evidence to support the national security claims against TikTok has made it difficult for the government to persuade the public of the severity of the threat. While concerns about data privacy are valid, the government has not clearly articulated how TikTok's data practices pose a unique threat to the U.S.

Moreover, the public may be more concerned about the potential negative consequences of banning TikTok than the perceived national security risks. Many users have come to rely on TikTok for entertainment, social connection, and even business opportunities. A ban would deprive them of these benefits, significantly impacting their daily lives.
 

In addition, the government's actions may be seen as an infringement on freedom of speech and expression. By targeting a specific platform, the government is effectively limiting the public's access to information and ideas. This perception is likely to resonate with individuals who value personal liberties and are wary of government overreach.

Furthermore, the public may be skeptical of the government's motives, suspecting that economic or political considerations, rather than genuine national security concerns, are driving the push to ban TikTok. The timing of the ban, coupled with the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, has only fueled these suspicions.

The "TikTok refugee" phenomenon highlights the complex interplay between technology, politics and public opinion. While the government has a responsibility to protect national security, it must also be mindful of the potential consequences of its actions on individual liberties and the broader economy. 

To bridge the growing divide with the public, the government must provide greater transparency and evidence to support its claims, engage in open dialogue with citizens and carefully consider the unintended consequences of its policies.

Ultimately, the fate of TikTok and the broader issue of technology regulation will have far-reaching implications for the future of the internet and the relationship between governments and their citizens. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, policymakers must balance national security concerns with the need to protect individual liberties and promote innovation.