U.S. aims to restrict American free speech with TikTok ban: RedNote newcomer

(ECNS) -- The U.S. government frames TikTok as a national security issue, but in fact, it is trying to restrict American free speech, “TikTok refugees” told ECNS.

“The U.S. ban on TikTok is not a good idea. I think the rich elites in the country don’t like that they cannot control the public’s media intake on TikTok like they do on other apps,” said a RedNote newcomer Colleen.

Colleen, who has 700 followers on TikTok, switched to RedNote out of her interest in Chinese culture and the country.

She said she doesn’t trust any news she hears about China from U.S. sources because these usually have an anti-China agenda. “So, I want to come here to see and interact with Chinese people firsthand,” Colleen explained, adding that she hopes that Americans don’t ruin this app for existing users.

Banning on TikTok is ridiculous, “TikTok refugee” Blake told ECNS. “TikTok is where so many people make money, and it is the most left leaning American social media app, where many people hear the news,” Blake said.

Another “TikTok refugee” whose ID is Danny Bailey on RedNote, said TikTok has given a voice to the voiceless and it’s a platform for the marginalized and a space for raw, authentic expression.

“We are using this app to break down stigmas, challenge norms, and inspire positive change. We are sharing our struggles with mental health, advocating for social justice, and spreading messages of hope and compassion,” Bailey said.

Moreover, China’s high-speed railway, “cat tax”, Chinese slang, working times, English learning, cross-check bill books, and other topics are very popular on RedNote.

“I hope the U.S. can have China’s bullet train,” said a RedNote newcomer named Raytoho. Raytoho was surprised to learn that it only takes about $42 to travel about 1,000 kilometers in China.

“It’s very cheap. It took me $200 to travel from New York to Chicago,” the newcomer said.

The U.S. Supreme Court has signaled that it would uphold its ban on TikTok over national security concerns, unless its China-owned parent company ByteDance sells the platform ahead of the Jan. 19 deadline. As TikTok may face an imminent shutdown in the U.S., a portion of the users of the app have flooded to RedNote.

As of Thursday, The tiktokrefugee topic has gained over 200 million hits and racked up over 200,000 posts.