As the deadline for the TikTok ban approaches, over 700,000 US-based users have flocked to RedNote, a popular Chinese social app. However, privacy advocates are sounding the alarm, warning that the app poses significant surveillance risks and may eventually face a similar ban unless it divests from its China-based parent company.

The concerns surrounding RedNote are eerily similar to those that led to the ban on TikTok. A US official told CBS News that RedNote has many of the same issues that caused Congress to ban TikTok, and that the app could eventually face the same restrictions unless it takes action to address these concerns.

One of the primary issues is the Chinese government's influence over RedNote's content moderation practices. According to The Information, RedNote has begun removing US users' posts that are considered "too sensitive" for the app, including posts discussing LGBTQ topics. This has raised concerns about the app's commitment to free speech and its willingness to censor content at the behest of the Chinese government.

Furthermore, regulators in China are concerned about politically sensitive posts on the app, and have instructed RedNote's government relations team to ensure that users in China cannot see US users' posts. This has led to accusations that RedNote is prioritizing the interests of the Chinese government over those of its users.

Privacy advocates are also warning against using RedNote, citing concerns about the app's data sharing practices and its ties to the Chinese government. Cooper Quintin, the senior staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, cautioned that "anyone for whom privacy is a matter of personal safety" should think twice before downloading RedNote.

Quintin noted that RedNote shares data with Facebook and Google ad networks, making it vulnerable to US-based surveillance capitalism. He also emphasized that the app has not yet seen substantial public scrutiny outside of China, and that users should be cautious about sharing information with an app that has a history of censorship and surveillance.

The rise of RedNote has significant implications for the tech industry and users alike. As the TikTok ban looms, users are seeking alternative social media platforms, but they must be aware of the potential risks associated with using apps like RedNote. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry, particularly when it comes to data privacy and surveillance.

In conclusion, the surge in popularity of RedNote has raised important questions about the app's commitment to user privacy and free speech. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential that users remain vigilant and demand greater accountability from the companies they entrust with their personal data.