Legal Expert Warns TikTok Alternatives and VPN Use Risk Penalties Amid US Ban
3 min read
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As TikTok faces an imminent ban in the United States, users are flocking to alternatives like RedNote and Lemon8, both climbing to the top of app charts. RedNote, in particular, has surged in popularity, becoming the number one social platform on Apple’s App Store in January 2025. However, legal experts are cautioning that these platforms could also be at risk if they share similar ties to the Chinese government as TikTok.
Are TikTok Alternatives Safe?
Business litigator Neil Elan of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP, explained that the fate of apps like RedNote and Lemon8 depends on their connection to the Chinese government and potential national security risks.
“You would have to analyze the ownership structure, the involvement of the Chinese government, and the bylaws governing these companies,” Elan stated. “If the facts for RedNote, Lemon8, or similar apps are akin to TikTok, there’s certainly precedent to regulate them similarly.”
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has until January 19 to sell its U.S. operations or face a complete ban. Lemon8, also owned by ByteDance, is expected to be included in the ban if no deal is reached.
Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, has hit #1 on the US App Store following news of a possible TikTok ban on January 19th. pic.twitter.com/CwIXgtPEfO
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 13, 2025
National Security Concerns
The U.S. government’s concerns about TikTok revolve around national security and the potential for Chinese authorities to access American user data. This issue was first raised by the FBI in 2022 and has continued to dominate the conversation around TikTok’s future.
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, signed into law by President Biden, provides the legal framework for banning applications deemed to be a threat to national security.
TikTok plans to shut down immediately in the US on Sunday when the ban takes effect
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) January 15, 2025
• App won't work even if it's already installed
• Users will be redirected to a website providing details about the ban
(via @theinformation) pic.twitter.com/WmfhdykUIe
Using VPNs to Circumvent the Ban
Amid the uncertainty, some users are considering using VPNs to bypass a potential TikTok ban. However, Elan warned against this approach, emphasizing its illegality.
“Using a VPN to access TikTok after a ban would violate the law,” he explained. “There would be penalties, likely fines. While lawmakers might turn a blind eye to isolated cases, widespread use could prompt enforcement.”
American government: we’re banning TikTok cause it’s a Chinese app and you data needs to be protected.
— ✨ Roxie ✨ (@Rox_My_Socks) January 13, 2025
American citizens: Fine we’re going over to RedNote a Chinese app based in china. pic.twitter.com/LFXPy60oe7
With TikTok’s fate hanging in the balance and legal risks looming for alternatives like RedNote, the digital landscape is set to undergo a major shift. Creators and users alike are left in limbo as the January 19 deadline approaches, marking a critical moment for the future of social media in the U.S. Whether new platforms will rise or face similar scrutiny remains uncertain, but for now, users are urged to proceed with caution.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
