Chinese social media apps Lemon8 and RedNote are rising in popularity as users seek alternatives to TikTok. However, a potential ban on TikTok under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA) could also threaten these apps. Legal experts say the law's broad scope could allow the U.S. government to target other Chinese apps deemed a national security threat.
Chinese social media apps Lemon8 and RedNote have been experiencing a surge in popularity as users, seeking alternatives to TikTok, migrate to these platforms ahead of a potential ban. Experts warn that a ban on TikTok could have repercussions for these apps, citing the expansive nature of the legislation. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, or PAFACA , which could lead to TikTok's ban in the U.S.
if its Beijing-based owner, ByteDance, doesn't divest it by January 19th, threatens to ensnare these Chinese social media apps and others gaining traction as TikTok alternatives. Lemon8 recently topped the U.S. iOS store as the most downloaded free app, with RedNote securing the second spot. While the legislation explicitly names TikTok and ByteDance, experts say its scope is broad and could open the door for Washington to target additional Chinese apps. 'Chinese social media apps, including Lemon8 and RedNote, could also end up being banned under this law,' Tobin Marcus, head of U.S. policy and politics at New York-based research firm Wolfe Research, told CNBC. If the TikTok ban is upheld, it is unlikely that the law will permit potential replacements to originate from China without some form of divestiture, experts told CNBC. PAFACA automatically applies to Lemon8 as it's a subsidiary of ByteDance, while RedNote could fall under the law if its monthly average user base in the U.S. continues to grow, said Marcus.The legislation prohibits distributing, maintaining, or providing internet hosting services to any 'foreign adversary controlled application.' These applications include those connected to ByteDance or TikTok or a social media company that is controlled by a 'foreign adversary' and has been determined to present a significant threat to national security. The wording of the legislation is 'quite expansive' and would give incoming President Donald Trump room to decide which entities constitute a significant threat to national security, said Carl Tobias, Williams Chair in Law at the University of Richmond. Xiaomeng Lu, Director of Geo‑technology at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, told CNBC that the law will likely prevail, even if its implementation and enforcement are delayed. Regardless, she expects Chinese apps in the U.S. will continue to be the subject of increased regulatory action moving forward. 'The TikTok case has set a new precedent for Chinese apps to get targeted and potentially shut down,' Lu said. TikTok's argument is that the law is unconstitutional as applied to them specifically, not that it is unconstitutional per se, said Cornell Law Professor Gautam Hans. 'So, regardless of whether TikTok wins or loses, the law could still potentially be applied to other companies,' he said. The law's defined purview is broad enough that it could be applied to a variety of Chinese apps deemed to be a national security threat, beyond traditional social media apps in the mold of TikTok, Hans said
Lemon8 Rednote Tiktok PAFACA Chinese Apps National Security Social Media Bytedance
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
TikTok Ban Threatens Chinese Social Media Apps Like Lemon8 and RedNoteA potential TikTok ban in the U.S. could impact Chinese social media apps like Lemon8 and RedNote, legal experts warn. The legislation, PAFACA, aims to ban TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, doesn't divest by January 19. While the law explicitly targets TikTok, its broad scope could allow the government to target other Chinese apps deemed a national security threat.
Read more »
TikTok Ban Threatens Chinese Social Media Apps Lemon8 and RedNoteA potential ban on TikTok in the U.S. due to the PAFA Act could also impact other Chinese social media apps like Lemon8 and RedNote. Legal experts warn that the law's broad scope could allow the government to target additional Chinese apps, even those not explicitly named in the legislation.
Read more »
Content Creators Flock to Lemon8 and RedNote Amidst TikTok Ban ConcernsAs a U.S. ban on TikTok looms, content creators are exploring alternatives like Lemon8 and RedNote. This article delves into these platforms, their features, and the ongoing debate surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S.
Read more »
Chinese social media app RedNote is the number one app as TikTok ban loomsKarissa is a senior reporter at Engadget, covering Meta, Twitter, TikTok, Snap and all things social media. Her interests include tech policy, internet culture, and all the ways our online activities shape our IRL selves.
Read more »
Chinese social media app RedNote tops App Store chart ahead of TikTok banRedNote, a Chinese social media app also known as Xiaohongshu, has topped the Apple App Store as users prepare for a potential TikTok ban.
Read more »
TikTok Refugees Flock to Chinese Social Media Platform RedNoteAs the US government considers banning TikTok, many US users are migrating to RedNote, a popular Chinese social media platform. The trend is characterized by lighthearted exchanges and a genuine desire to connect with Chinese users despite the language barrier.
Read more »