- China has punished executives at Xiaohongshu (RedNote) for failing to manage online content.
- The Cyberspace Administration of China issued warnings and undisclosed penalties.
- The app was criticized for promoting celebrity gossip and trivial posts.
- Regulators emphasized the need for a clean and healthy cyberspace.
- Xiaohongshu is one of China’s most popular lifestyle platforms, launched in 2013.
- It features content on fashion, travel, food, and beauty, and functions as a shopping hub.
- The platform has also hosted discussions on sensitive topics like LGBTQ rights and singlehood.
- The move signals tighter control over even apolitical, lifestyle-driven platforms.
China’s internet regulator has taken disciplinary action against executives at Xiaohongshu, one of the country’s most influential lifestyle platforms, citing failure to control the spread of trivial and negative content. The Cyberspace Administration of China announced that “responsible individuals” at the company were issued warnings and punishments, though specific details were not disclosed.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the dominance of celebrity gossip and superficial trends on Xiaohongshu’s trending pages. Regulators accused the app of neglecting its core responsibility to manage online content and maintain a digital environment that reflects national values.
Launched in Shanghai in 2013, Xiaohongshu has grown into a cultural force, blending social media with e-commerce. Its algorithm-driven “Explore” page mirrors TikTok’s “For You” feed, serving users a steady stream of fashion, beauty, travel, and food content. The platform has also shaped online behavior through trends like “da ka” tourism, where users visit scenic spots primarily to post photos.
While generally seen as less censored than platforms like Weibo or Douyin, Xiaohongshu has hosted conversations on sensitive topics, including LGBTQ rights and women choosing to remain single. The recent disciplinary action suggests that even lifestyle-focused platforms are now subject to stricter oversight, as China tightens control over its digital landscape.
The regulator’s message was clear: platforms must align with the state’s vision of a clean and constructive cyberspace — or face consequences.
