The TikTok-to-RedNote Migration Debate: Random Notes from a Social Media Brand & Safety Expert:
Let me get this straight.
TikTok—a Chinese-owned platform at the center of heated privacy debates—is under fire and potentially on its way out. And the contingency plan for many users? Flocking to RedNote, another Chinese-owned app.
Now here’s the kicker: RedNote is actually in Chinese. The terms and conditions you’d be agreeing to? Also in Chinese. So let me ask, how do you know what you’re signing up for?
To create an account, you’re required to hand over your U.S. phone number. Yes, that phone number—the one you already gripe about being targeted by spoof calls. The same number you’ve linked to two-factor authentication for your most critical financial and personal accounts. Are we seeing the red flags yet?
Then there’s the aspiration to monetize your content on this platform. You’re planning to earn in a currency you don’t fully understand, within a system you can’t fully vet. The implications of this should not be taken lightly.
Let’s get real: it’s okay to miss out on a social media trend. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) isn’t worth compromising your digital safety or the security of your sensitive information.
A Dose of Reality
If the sheer volume of data attacks targeting American properties on a daily basis were public knowledge, you’d likely rethink where you invest your trust—and your data.
Why I Stay Online
I often get asked why I remain active on social media if I’m this cautious. The answer is simple: I’m obsessed with feeding my family and sharing critical information that helps others stay fed and safe.
But my approach is informed and intentional. If you’re jumping from one questionable platform to another without understanding the risks, it’s time to pause and reflect. Staying safe online means more than riding the next wave of virality—it means protecting what matters most.
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Stay vigilant,
Brée Nachelle
