The irony is palpable: as TikTok users flock to RedNote, a different foreign-owned social network, they may be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. RedNote, a Shanghai-based app with over 300 million monthly active users, offers a service similar to TikTok and could be subject to the same ban under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

The law, passed with bipartisan support and signed by President Joe Biden, targets companies that operate a website or app with over 1 million monthly users, allow users to create and share content, and are controlled by a foreign adversary, including China. RedNote's reported 3 million new US users this week have raised eyebrows, and a US official has confirmed that the app "appears to be the kind of app that the statute would apply to."

However, the decision to ban or allow RedNote to operate in the US ultimately rests with President Donald Trump. If the president determines that RedNote poses a "significant threat" to national security, the app's parent company would need to divest its US operations within 270 days or face a ban. The president can extend the deadline by up to 90 days, and the app can challenge the law in the DC Circuit Court of Appeals.

The context surrounding RedNote's potential ban is complex and politically charged. TikTok, which faces a similar ban, has been accused of posing national security risks due to its Chinese ownership and alleged data harvesting practices. However, the pressure to ban TikTok was also driven by Meta's campaign to scrutinize its competitor and allegations of pro-Palestinian content, which have been disputed.

Now, President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly seeking ways to save TikTok, citing its role in his election campaign. This raises questions about the motivations behind the ban and whether RedNote will be treated similarly. Will RedNote's growing user base and potential to threaten the interests of Silicon Valley oligarchs like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk influence the president's decision?

Moreover, the broader geopolitical landscape may also impact RedNote's fate. Growing US hostility toward China's government could lead to a broader crackdown on Chinese-owned apps, regardless of their individual risks or benefits. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: RedNote's future in the US hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if it will be allowed to operate freely or face the same ban as TikTok.

For now, RedNote users can continue to learn Mandarin, but the app's long-term prospects remain uncertain. As the US navigates the complexities of regulating foreign-owned social networks, the implications of this decision will be closely watched by tech enthusiasts, policymakers, and users alike.