Taiwan Warns: TikTok, Weibo, and RedNote Pose Serious Data Risks Due to China Ties

Are you worried about where your personal data goes every time you open TikTok or scroll through Weibo? You’re not alone—and Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) is ringing the alarm bells louder than ever.

This isn’t just another news headline. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who uses popular Chinese-developed apps. The NSB’s recent warning paints a clear—and concerning—picture: apps like TikTok, Weibo, RedNote (Xiaohongshu), WeChat, and Baidu Cloud don’t just collect your data; they send it straight back to China, exposing you to surveillance, privacy breaches, and potential misuse. And the risks aren’t only theoretical—they’re real, backed by a thorough, government-backed investigation.

Let’s dive into exactly what the NSB found, why it matters, and most importantly, what you can do to keep your data safe in a hyper-connected world.

Understanding the NSB Warning: What Happened and Why It Matters

What prompted this urgent alert?
Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB) and the National Police Agency’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), recently conducted a comprehensive inspection of leading China-developed apps. This investigation was grounded in growing international concerns over data privacy and the security implications of cross-border data flows.

Here’s why that matters:
Data has become the new oil—a valuable resource that can determine not just commercial outcomes, but even national security. When you download an app, you’re often giving it access to a surprising amount of your personal information. But when that data ends up in the hands of a foreign government with broad surveillance powers—like China’s—it’s not just your privacy at stake.

The Five Most Risky Apps—and How They Stack Up

The NSB tested five widely used China-linked applications:

RedNote (Xiaohongshu)
Weibo
TikTok
WeChat
Baidu Cloud

How Did the NSB Test These Apps?

The NSB evaluated each app against 15 security indicators across five major categories:

Personal data collection
Excessive permission usage
Data transmission and sharing
System information extraction
Biometric data access

The results were eye-opening:

RedNote: Violated all 15 indicators—making it the riskiest of the bunch.
Weibo and TikTok: Each breached 13 of the 15 indicators.
WeChat: Violated 10 indicators.
Baidu Cloud: Breached 9 indicators.

In simple terms: The more violations, the bigger the privacy risk.

What Data Are These Apps Collecting?

If you think “it’s just my username and email,” think again. The investigation uncovered that these apps collect massive amounts of sensitive data, including:

Facial recognition info (your face as a digital fingerprint)
Screenshots and clipboard contents (what you copy, paste, or even capture on your screen)
Contact lists (everyone you know)
Location data (where you are and where you’ve been)
Installed app lists (which other apps you use)
Device parameters (your phone’s identifiers, specs, and more)

Imagine someone having access to not just your digital life, but clues about your offline movements and relationships. That’s the scale of what’s at stake.

Where Does Your Data Go? The Issue of Data Transmission to China

One of the most alarming discoveries is that all five apps transmit user data back to servers in China. Why is this so problematic? Let me explain:

China’s National Security Laws

Under Chinese law, companies must hand over data—of any user, anywhere in the world—to authorities for reasons including “national security” and “public security.” Unlike many Western countries, there’s far less legal recourse or oversight for how this data is accessed or used.

This means:

Your personal information can be accessed by Chinese authorities—with no notification or consent.
Business secrets and sensitive communications could be exposed.
Journalists, activists, and corporate users are at particular risk.

If you’re in Taiwan, this is even more sensitive given the ongoing cross-strait tensions. But even outside Taiwan, privacy advocates worldwide have flagged these same risks.

How Does This Compare Globally? International Moves Against Chinese Apps

Taiwan isn’t acting alone. Countries around the world have taken firm stances against Chinese-developed apps:

India: Banned TikTok and over 50 other Chinese apps in 2020, citing security concerns (The Guardian).
Canada: Ordered TikTok to divest its operations in November 2024, as part of a broader crackdown.
United States: Continues to debate a TikTok ban, with deadlines repeatedly extended into 2025 (Reuters).
Germany: Data protection authorities urged Apple and Google to remove a Chinese AI chatbot, DeepSeek, over unlawful data transfers.
Australia, UK, and EU nations: Imposed restrictions or government bans on TikTok and other China-linked apps on official devices (BBC).

The trend is clear: Governments worldwide are treating excessive data collection and cross-border data transfers as serious risks—not just to individuals, but to national security.

What Are the Real Risks for Users?

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. If you’re using TikTok, Weibo, RedNote, or similar apps, what does this mean for you?

1. Loss of Personal Privacy

Your photos, conversations, contacts, and even biometric data might be stored in databases far outside your country’s control.

2. Risk of Surveillance

Because of China’s legal framework, data sent from your device can be accessed by Chinese authorities. If you discuss sensitive topics, participate in activism, or deal with confidential work, the risks multiply.

3. Social Engineering and Scams

With detailed user data, bad actors can craft highly targeted phishing attacks or scams. Ever received a suspicious message that felt eerily personal? This is how it happens.

4. Corporate Espionage

If you use these apps on a business device, your company secrets, contacts, and strategies could be exposed.

This isn’t about paranoia—it’s about understanding the true scope of what your data can reveal.

What Makes Chinese Apps Different From Others?

It’s fair to ask: “Don’t all social media apps collect data?” Yes, but there are key differences:

Legal Environment: Chinese companies must comply with government data requests, often with little transparency.
Scope of Collection: The NSB found that these apps collect more types of data than many Western counterparts.
Transmission to China: Data isn’t just stored locally—it’s sent to servers governed by Chinese law.
Global Precedent: Unlike the EU’s GDPR or the US’s privacy laws, there’s little protection or recourse for foreign users.

Bottom line: The combination of excessive data harvesting and legal obligations to the Chinese government sets these apps apart.

How Can You Protect Yourself? Practical Steps for Data Safety

You don’t have to live in fear, but you do need to be proactive. Here’s what you can do right now:

1. Audit Your Apps

Go through your phone and list all apps developed or operated by Chinese companies.
Check their permissions—what information do they access?
Consider uninstalling apps you don’t truly need.

2. Limit Permissions

Only grant permissions that are strictly necessary (for example, don’t give a photo app access to your microphone).
For apps you keep, review permission settings regularly.

3. Use Alternatives

Look for reputable, privacy-focused apps developed outside of China.
For social media, consider platforms with strong data protection policies.

4. Update Your Devices

Keep your operating system and apps updated to patch security flaws.
Use built-in privacy controls and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

5. Stay Informed

Follow trusted news and cybersecurity sources to stay updated on app bans, privacy risks, and best practices.
Check official government advisories, like those from the Taiwan NSB or Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

Remember: The best defense is awareness and vigilance.

Why This Issue Isn’t Going Away

The intersection of technology, privacy, and geopolitics is only getting more complex. As China’s digital influence grows, more countries are grappling with the same questions Taiwan now faces. And as AI, facial recognition, and cloud computing become more central to our lives, the stakes for data privacy are higher than ever.

In other words: This is not just a Taiwan problem. It’s a global debate about who controls your data—and what that means for your rights and security.

FAQs: People Also Ask

Why did Taiwan issue a warning about apps like TikTok, Weibo, and RedNote?

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau found that these apps excessively collect personal data and send it back to servers in China, raising concerns about privacy breaches and the potential misuse of user information by Chinese authorities.

What kind of data do these apps collect?

They collect a wide range of sensitive information, including but not limited to location data, contact lists, facial recognition data, screenshots, clipboard contents, and details about your device and installed apps.

Is TikTok safe to use in Taiwan or globally?

While TikTok is popular worldwide, several governments have flagged it for privacy and security risks due to its Chinese ownership and data practices. Taiwan’s NSB recommends caution, especially for users handling sensitive data.

How can I make my phone more secure from data-harvesting apps?

Regularly review app permissions
Uninstall unnecessary apps
Use privacy-focused alternatives
Keep your software updated
Avoid granting sensitive permissions without cause

Have other countries banned Chinese apps?

Yes. India, Canada, and several Western countries have banned or restricted Chinese-developed apps due to data security concerns. The U.S. is considering a similar ban, and Germany has flagged other Chinese AI apps.

What does it mean if my data is stored in China?

Data stored in China is subject to Chinese laws, which require companies to provide user data to authorities if requested. This reduces your privacy protections and exposes your data to potential surveillance.

Final Takeaway: Stay Informed, Stay Secure

To sum up: Taiwan’s NSB has sounded a clear alarm about the privacy and security risks of China-developed apps. The evidence is strong, the stakes are high, and the action is urgent. Whether you’re in Taiwan or anywhere else, this is your cue to take your digital privacy seriously.

Here’s your next step:
Audit your mobile apps, review their permissions, and opt for alternatives wherever possible. Stay tuned to credible sources for updates on app security and data privacy. And if you found this useful, consider subscribing for more insights on how to protect yourself in a rapidly changing digital world.

Your data is valuable. Guard it like you would your most precious possession—because in today’s world, it just might be.

Further Reading: – Global Policy on Data Privacy and Chinese Apps — The Diplomat – What Makes Chinese Apps Different? — Electronic Frontier Foundation

Stay safe out there—and keep questioning where your data ends up.

Discover more at InnoVirtuoso.com

I would love some feedback on my writing so if you have any, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment around here or in any platforms that is convenient for you.

For more on tech and other topics, explore InnoVirtuoso.com anytime. Subscribe to my newsletter and join our growing community—we’ll create something magical together. I promise, it’ll never be boring!

Stay updated with the latest news—subscribe to our newsletter today!

Thank you all—wishing you an amazing day ahead!

Taiwan Warns: TikTok, Weibo, and RedNote Pose Serious Data Risks Due to China Ties—Here’s What You Need to Know

Understanding the NSB Warning: What Happened and Why It Matters