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China’s Operation Dragon: Rednot, known as Xiaohongshu in China, is a Chinese social media and e-commerce platform.
China’s Operation Dragon: Amid tensions on the India-Pakistan border, China has started using a social media app called Radnot (Xiaohongshu) to carry out a new conspiracy in India. According to intelligence sources, this app is being used as a secret weapon under ‘Operation Dragon’, which aims to spread propaganda and instability in India.
What is the Rednoty app?
Radnot, known as Xiaohongshu in China, is a Chinese social media and e-commerce platform. It was started in 2013 by Shanghai’s company Xingyin Information Technology and is called the ‘Instagram of China’. On this app, users share short-form videos, photos and text posts, especially associated with fashion, travel, makeup and lifestyle. This app is primarily popular among young and women users and has more than 300 million monthly active users.
The role of ‘Operation Dragon’ and Rednotes
According to intelligence reports, Rednot is being used as fake news and psychological war weapons in India. Especially in Northeast India, this app is active, where it is working to spread misleading information and propaganda. Through this, misinformation is being spread on sensitive issues, due to which efforts are being made to create social and political instability. Experts say that this app can become a threat to India’s internal security, as it works under the Censorship Rules of the Chinese government and has control over user data.
Discussion of data privacy and sensorship
Rednote user collects data such as IP address and tracking information, which can be shared with the government under Chinese data security laws. Experts have warned that its lack of transparency and mainly available terms and conditions in Mandarin increase the risk for non-Chinese speaking users. In addition, strict censorship policies are applicable on the app, which limits material on perennial issues, drugs and other sensitive subjects, which can affect independence of expression.
Security agencies on high alert
The growing popularity of Rednote in India and its possible misuse has brought security agencies on high alert. The government has appealed to the citizens to be cautious about the information to be shared on this app and limit their personal information. Also, it has been advised to avoid rumors and fake news on social media.
China’s Rednot app is emerging as a new cyber threat in India. Under ‘Operation Dragon’, it is being used not only for propaganda, but also to weaken India’s national security. In such a situation, citizens and the government together need to compete with this danger.
