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⚠️ Chinese BAT-BMS App Can Reportedly Stop E-Rickshaws Mid-Ride The BAT-BMS app is developed by a company Shenzhen Grenergy Technology Co., Ltd. Reports claim the BAT-BMS app can connect to unsecured e-rickshaw BMS units via Bluetooth and turn off the battery output, cutting power to the vehicle. If true,... show more

Amit Amir Anthony

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386,769 views • 17 days ago •via X (Twitter)

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This is sad. 💔 BAT-BMS is a Chinese battery management app. It connects via Bluetooth to compatible lithium batteries within 10-15 meters. The app lets users monitor battery health and remotely control compatible batteries. The remote-control feature is reportedly being misused to switch off e-rickshaw batteries for pranks and SM content. Just for a few likes on SM, some depraved minds are snatching the livelihood of e-rickshaw drivers.

This is sad. 💔 BAT-BMS is a Chinese battery management app. It connects via Bluetooth to compatible lithium batteries within 10-15 meters. The app lets users monitor battery health and remotely control compatible batteries. The remote-control feature is reportedly being misused to switch off e-rickshaw batteries for pranks and SM content. Just for a few likes on SM, some depraved minds are snatching the livelihood of e-rickshaw drivers.

PunsterX

548,763 views • 16 days ago

Shame on this generation…! A Chinese app BAT-BMS misused for allegedly remotely stopping e-rickshaws. Behind every remotely stopped e-rickshaws is a hardworking driver left helpless in the middle of the road .💔

Shame on this generation…! A Chinese app BAT-BMS misused for allegedly remotely stopping e-rickshaws. Behind every remotely stopped e-rickshaws is a hardworking driver left helpless in the middle of the road .💔

Dilip Rana

363,092 views • 16 days ago

#WATCH | Delhi: A smartphone app named BAT-BMS is being used by people to remotely disable moving e-rickshaws through a Bluetooth connection. Speaking on a video by him, allegedly showing individuals using the mobile app to remotely disable moving e-rickshaws, influencer Amaan Siddiqui says, "I saw a man tying up his rickshaw to another in order to move it. I suspected this app to be behind it. I brought my vehicle behind it and tried connecting my app to the rickshaw. Once it connected, I asked him to stop and told him that his rickshaw would now restart. He broke down and told me that he has lost an entire day of earning. He had taken the rickshaw on rent. I got emotinal too. His rickshaw had been at the same spot for an entire day. What is being done by people is wrong..."

#WATCH | Delhi: A smartphone app named BAT-BMS is being used by people to remotely disable moving e-rickshaws through a Bluetooth connection. Speaking on a video by him, allegedly showing individuals using the mobile app to remotely disable moving e-rickshaws, influencer Amaan Siddiqui says, "I saw a man tying up his rickshaw to another in order to move it. I suspected this app to be behind it. I brought my vehicle behind it and tried connecting my app to the rickshaw. Once it connected, I asked him to stop and told him that his rickshaw would now restart. He broke down and told me that he has lost an entire day of earning. He had taken the rickshaw on rent. I got emotinal too. His rickshaw had been at the same spot for an entire day. What is being done by people is wrong..."

ANI

567,156 views • 15 days ago

E-rickshaw drivers in Delhi-NCR say their vehicles are being remotely disabled using Chinese mobile apps, disrupting rides and affecting their earnings. The Centre has ordered the removal of three apps allegedly linked to the misuse, while Delhi Police and the Delhi government investigate the matter. However, at the time of publishing this video, the BAT-BMS app remained accessible on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. 🎥: PTI

E-rickshaw drivers in Delhi-NCR say their vehicles are being remotely disabled using Chinese mobile apps, disrupting rides and affecting their earnings. The Centre has ordered the removal of three apps allegedly linked to the misuse, while Delhi Police and the Delhi government investigate the matter. However, at the time of publishing this video, the BAT-BMS app remained accessible on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. 🎥: PTI

The Hindu

55,766 views • 14 days ago

#WATCH | Delhi | A smartphone app named BAT-BMS is being used by people to remotely disable moving e-rickshaws through a Bluetooth connection. Chairman of the International Commission on Cyber Security Law, Pawan Duggal says, "Today an e-rickshaw is not just an e-rickshaw it's a computer system and therefore, if it's operating in the digital format it's got some memory functions... I am very clear this is not a game this is an offense under section 66 read with section 43 of the Information Technology Act 2000 because this is an activity that's done dishonestly or fraudulently where people enter into the computer system of its e-rickshaw without the consent or the knowledge of the owner and that is punishable with 3 years imprisonment and a fine worth Rs 5 lakh..." (02.07)

#WATCH | Delhi | A smartphone app named BAT-BMS is being used by people to remotely disable moving e-rickshaws through a Bluetooth connection. Chairman of the International Commission on Cyber Security Law, Pawan Duggal says, "Today an e-rickshaw is not just an e-rickshaw it's a computer system and therefore, if it's operating in the digital format it's got some memory functions... I am very clear this is not a game this is an offense under section 66 read with section 43 of the Information Technology Act 2000 because this is an activity that's done dishonestly or fraudulently where people enter into the computer system of its e-rickshaw without the consent or the knowledge of the owner and that is punishable with 3 years imprisonment and a fine worth Rs 5 lakh..." (02.07)

ANI

193,654 views • 15 days ago

We're working on a brand new Xiaomi SU7 Ultra at EV Clinic in Belgrade that was damaged during transport from China. The low-voltage battery was completely depleted and damaged during recovery attempts. We've connected directly to the CAN bus to diagnose the issue and discovered that the BMS high-voltage interlock software system is latched, preventing us from re-enabling the vehicle. We've repaired the 12V lithium battery, but we need the original diagnostic tool to reset the BMS and resolve this software interlock that's protecting the high-voltage battery. Stay tuned…

EV Clinic

31,102 views • 4 months ago

This elderly e-rickshaw driver is a cancer patient. He drives an e-rickshaw to earn money for his treatment. He was taking passengers to their destination, and after that he had to go and get his cancer medicine. But some cruel boys remotely switched off his e-rickshaw through the app. The vehicle stopped, the passengers left without paying, and he couldn't even go to get his medicine. After standing there for a long time, a few kind people came forward, helped him, and restarted the e-rickshaw. Our society has some truly terrible people who create problems for others just for fun. They use the app to switch off e-rickshaws without caring about the driver's situation. Most e-rickshaw drivers are poor and have many responsibilities. Harassing them for entertainment is simply shameful.

This elderly e-rickshaw driver is a cancer patient. He drives an e-rickshaw to earn money for his treatment. He was taking passengers to their destination, and after that he had to go and get his cancer medicine. But some cruel boys remotely switched off his e-rickshaw through the app. The vehicle stopped, the passengers left without paying, and he couldn't even go to get his medicine. After standing there for a long time, a few kind people came forward, helped him, and restarted the e-rickshaw. Our society has some truly terrible people who create problems for others just for fun. They use the app to switch off e-rickshaws without caring about the driver's situation. Most e-rickshaw drivers are poor and have many responsibilities. Harassing them for entertainment is simply shameful.

Saffron Chargers

14,409 views • 13 days ago

⚠️ Serious Passenger Safety Concern with Rapido Today I booked an auto through Rapido. The app showed the driver's name as Lakshmikanth and the vehicle number as KA03 AL 0071. However, the auto that arrived was KA02 AJ 4492, and the driver identified himself as Mohammed Habbas. This is a serious safety concern. Passengers trust the driver's identity and vehicle details displayed in the app. If a completely different driver and vehicle arrive, it defeats the purpose of identity verification and puts passenger safety at risk. I request Rapido, the Karnataka Transport Department, and the Bengaluru City Police to investigate this matter and take appropriate action. Ride-hailing platforms must ensure that the driver and vehicle arriving for a trip exactly match the details shown in the app. Passenger safety cannot be compromised. #Rapido #PassengerSafety #RideSafety #Bengaluru #Karnataka #PuneethKerehalli

⚠️ Serious Passenger Safety Concern with Rapido Today I booked an auto through Rapido. The app showed the driver's name as Lakshmikanth and the vehicle number as KA03 AL 0071. However, the auto that arrived was KA02 AJ 4492, and the driver identified himself as Mohammed Habbas. This is a serious safety concern. Passengers trust the driver's identity and vehicle details displayed in the app. If a completely different driver and vehicle arrive, it defeats the purpose of identity verification and puts passenger safety at risk. I request Rapido, the Karnataka Transport Department, and the Bengaluru City Police to investigate this matter and take appropriate action. Ride-hailing platforms must ensure that the driver and vehicle arriving for a trip exactly match the details shown in the app. Passenger safety cannot be compromised. #Rapido #PassengerSafety #RideSafety #Bengaluru #Karnataka #PuneethKerehalli

Puneeth Kerehalli

57,114 views • 8 days ago

PM Shehbaz Sharif confirms Pakistan has decent fuel reserves. To shield citizens from global shocks, the state provided Rs 125 billion to stop price hikes and is launching a fuel support app for motorcyclists and rickshaw drivers. Provinces are urged to facilitate vehicle registrations for this relief. While the government prioritizes public welfare, citizens can also help the country by conserving fuel.

PM Shehbaz Sharif confirms Pakistan has decent fuel reserves. To shield citizens from global shocks, the state provided Rs 125 billion to stop price hikes and is launching a fuel support app for motorcyclists and rickshaw drivers. Provinces are urged to facilitate vehicle registrations for this relief. While the government prioritizes public welfare, citizens can also help the country by conserving fuel.

Wajahat Kazmi

14,589 views • 3 months ago

⚠️ Public Safety Alert! The Instagram profile mashak313mma is uploading highly dangerous stunt videos that can mislead youth and cause serious accidents. Concerned authorities SP Bagalkote please investigate this account immediately, question the person responsible, and issue a strong warning to stop such life-threatening content. Public safety over social media clout! #StopDangerousStunts

ಸನಾತನ (सनातन)

13,620 views • 2 months ago

Chinese EVs are hard to repair and 3rd party repair shops are generally restricted by OEMs to work on BMS, battery packs and electronic components or they may face lawsuits. If possible, OEMs try to keep all repairs done in house, usually charging exorbitant amount of money. For parts mechanics are allowed to work on, the process could be very frustrating. This mechanic is furious with OEM keeping sending him wrong part even though they have the vehicle’s VIN number. Tesla CN doesn’t have restrictive repair policy. This mechanic says Teslas are easy to repair. Tesla is the only EV he recommends to buy.

Chinese EVs are hard to repair and 3rd party repair shops are generally restricted by OEMs to work on BMS, battery packs and electronic components or they may face lawsuits. If possible, OEMs try to keep all repairs done in house, usually charging exorbitant amount of money. For parts mechanics are allowed to work on, the process could be very frustrating. This mechanic is furious with OEM keeping sending him wrong part even though they have the vehicle’s VIN number. Tesla CN doesn’t have restrictive repair policy. This mechanic says Teslas are easy to repair. Tesla is the only EV he recommends to buy.

Ray

139,399 views • 9 months ago

In China, There is a law called Social Credit Act. If you post something on Weibo(Chinese indigenous app similar to Twitter) against CCP govt you will be blacklisted Once you are being blacklisted by Social Credit System, you can't get a job, a loan, a hotel room...your kids can't get into the schools. And China has half of the world's total facial recognition surveillance cameras ——They call it Skynet. This is why China is million years ahead of India

In China, There is a law called Social Credit Act. If you post something on Weibo(Chinese indigenous app similar to Twitter) against CCP govt you will be blacklisted Once you are being blacklisted by Social Credit System, you can't get a job, a loan, a hotel room...your kids can't get into the schools. And China has half of the world's total facial recognition surveillance cameras ——They call it Skynet. This is why China is million years ahead of India

Hindutva Knight

207,774 views • 1 year ago

🔥🚨BREAKING: A company that is selling sunlight at night that can be purchased from your phone is going viral across the internet for this impressive and futuristic concept. Reflect Orbital has developed an app where you can order sunlight, reflected from a satellite direct to your location from a cell phone so that you can have personal access to the sun’s light at night. This is a simulated video that displays the concept and how it will work. They are still working on the launch for public use.

🔥🚨BREAKING: A company that is selling sunlight at night that can be purchased from your phone is going viral across the internet for this impressive and futuristic concept. Reflect Orbital has developed an app where you can order sunlight, reflected from a satellite direct to your location from a cell phone so that you can have personal access to the sun’s light at night. This is a simulated video that displays the concept and how it will work. They are still working on the launch for public use.

Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives

8,181,486 views • 1 year ago

This is exactly why reckless e-bike riding is a serious public safety concern. A juvenile rider chose to flee from deputies through a residential neighborhood, reaching speeds and taking risks that endangered everyone nearby. Riding carelessly, the rider narrowly avoided crashing into a fence that could have resulted in serious injury. Too often, riders treat e-bikes like toys. They are not. E-bikes can travel at high speeds and, when operated recklessly, become a danger to pedestrians, motorists, and the riders themselves. If a deputy attempts to stop you, stop. Running from law enforcement is not a game, and it is not without consequences. Intentionally fleeing from deputies can result in felony eluding charges or other criminal and traffic offenses. Our deputies are committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe and safety is a shared responsibility. Parents, know where your children are riding and talk with them about following traffic laws and respecting law enforcement. One poor decision can change a life forever. Ride responsibly.

This is exactly why reckless e-bike riding is a serious public safety concern. A juvenile rider chose to flee from deputies through a residential neighborhood, reaching speeds and taking risks that endangered everyone nearby. Riding carelessly, the rider narrowly avoided crashing into a fence that could have resulted in serious injury. Too often, riders treat e-bikes like toys. They are not. E-bikes can travel at high speeds and, when operated recklessly, become a danger to pedestrians, motorists, and the riders themselves. If a deputy attempts to stop you, stop. Running from law enforcement is not a game, and it is not without consequences. Intentionally fleeing from deputies can result in felony eluding charges or other criminal and traffic offenses. Our deputies are committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe and safety is a shared responsibility. Parents, know where your children are riding and talk with them about following traffic laws and respecting law enforcement. One poor decision can change a life forever. Ride responsibly.

Arapahoe Sheriff

71,973 views • 1 month ago

Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi is being closely watched by Chinese public opinion. Not because Chinese people oppose diplomacy. But because public resentment toward India has reached a breaking point. Over-issued visas, repeated reports of misconduct by Indian nationals inside China, endless online provocation, fake anti-China images and videos, caste-system projection, and coordinated disinformation campaigns have all piled up. Chinese people are not angry because India is “rising.” They are angry because India keeps trying to punch above its weight by dragging China down, while exporting chaos, arrogance, and propaganda. Diplomacy can happen. But Beijing should understand one thing clearly: China is the China of the Chinese people. Diplomacy is not a license to make Chinese society absorb other countries’ disorder. The Chinese people are no longer willing to see the social order they built over decades sacrificed just to decorate diplomatic optics.

Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi is being closely watched by Chinese public opinion. Not because Chinese people oppose diplomacy. But because public resentment toward India has reached a breaking point. Over-issued visas, repeated reports of misconduct by Indian nationals inside China, endless online provocation, fake anti-China images and videos, caste-system projection, and coordinated disinformation campaigns have all piled up. Chinese people are not angry because India is “rising.” They are angry because India keeps trying to punch above its weight by dragging China down, while exporting chaos, arrogance, and propaganda. Diplomacy can happen. But Beijing should understand one thing clearly: China is the China of the Chinese people. Diplomacy is not a license to make Chinese society absorb other countries’ disorder. The Chinese people are no longer willing to see the social order they built over decades sacrificed just to decorate diplomatic optics.

𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦

70,772 views • 26 days ago

A disturbing video circulating on social media shows a group attacking a vehicle near Dasham Thana, Jharkhand. This is a serious law & order concern that deserves immediate attention. Tourism cannot thrive on advertisements alone. Visitors and residents must feel safe on the ground. Any incident of mob violence or targeted attacks damages public confidence and the state’s image. I urge Jharkhand Police to identify those responsible and publicly update citizens on the action taken. JH01GH4141 Hemant Soren, ensuring public safety should remain your highest priority.

A disturbing video circulating on social media shows a group attacking a vehicle near Dasham Thana, Jharkhand. This is a serious law & order concern that deserves immediate attention. Tourism cannot thrive on advertisements alone. Visitors and residents must feel safe on the ground. Any incident of mob violence or targeted attacks damages public confidence and the state’s image. I urge Jharkhand Police to identify those responsible and publicly update citizens on the action taken. JH01GH4141 Hemant Soren, ensuring public safety should remain your highest priority.

Divya Gandotra Tandon

202,656 views • 10 days ago

TikTok is a Chinese Communist surveillance vehicle! China is using TikTok to manipulate & brainwash our youth. Western apps like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram are banned in #China, so why do we let this spy app in our home, and on our phones? Imagine if the U.S. had that influence in #China. They don't allow that; they ban all of our social media. America and Europe must stand united against the threat of #CCP and ban #TikTok from all phones.

TikTok is a Chinese Communist surveillance vehicle! China is using TikTok to manipulate & brainwash our youth. Western apps like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram are banned in #China, so why do we let this spy app in our home, and on our phones? Imagine if the U.S. had that influence in #China. They don't allow that; they ban all of our social media. America and Europe must stand united against the threat of #CCP and ban #TikTok from all phones.

Enes Kanter FREEDOM

96,154 views • 2 years ago

Bat Speed Doesn’t set up swing path!!!!Watch 35+ hitters in this video. U can literally close your eyes at this point in the swing. If done correctly you’ll hit it, if wrong, you’ll miss. Different eras, ages, levels, sports, coaches, teams and origins, all doing the same thing. This position is the most important of all of them (especially for younger hitters). No matter how fast the bat is traveling at this point, if it’s wrong, you’ll miss!!! Approach will range from the sternum to the belly button (high / low) and on the shoulder or off a little (in/ out). Watch your videos closely, if you’re missing a lot, this could be the culprit! *the standard feel for this is place the middle of the bat below the deltoid (in the boney area below the shoulder, now take swings connected. Move the bat up higher or lower based on the tee position, turn. As u get comfortable, then add all the snapping, whipping etc u want. But u better get through this position before contact) #StanceDoctor

Bat Speed Doesn’t set up swing path!!!!Watch 35+ hitters in this video. U can literally close your eyes at this point in the swing. If done correctly you’ll hit it, if wrong, you’ll miss. Different eras, ages, levels, sports, coaches, teams and origins, all doing the same thing. This position is the most important of all of them (especially for younger hitters). No matter how fast the bat is traveling at this point, if it’s wrong, you’ll miss!!! Approach will range from the sternum to the belly button (high / low) and on the shoulder or off a little (in/ out). Watch your videos closely, if you’re missing a lot, this could be the culprit! *the standard feel for this is place the middle of the bat below the deltoid (in the boney area below the shoulder, now take swings connected. Move the bat up higher or lower based on the tee position, turn. As u get comfortable, then add all the snapping, whipping etc u want. But u better get through this position before contact) #StanceDoctor

Stance Doctor

47,573 views • 1 year ago

Dear Catholics, this is not the time for Hallelujah Challenge. This is lenten season. There is an app called Hallow by Alex at Hallow. This app made me fall in love with the Catholic Church. It was this app that opened my eyes to all the beauties I didn't know that the Catholic Church has. This app has converted many people to the Catholic Christian faith. It has brought many Catholics who were confused about the Catholic faith back to the Church. If you are looking for where to grow richly in knowledge of the Catholic Church, this app is for you. It contains all the novenas and litanies you can think of. Mark Wahlberg, the popular Hollywood actor, taught me how to recite the rosary perfectly on this app. This app contains "Bible in a Year" and catechism podcast that was recorded by fathermikeschmitz during the covid lockdown. Fr. Mike read and explained the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation and explained it in such a way that it fits in our world today. Many Genzs all over the world have returned back to the Catholic Church because of this Hallow App. It also contains many gregorian chants and radio drama of many Saints that you can listen to. Saints like St. Valentine, St. Josephine Bahkita, St. Lucy, St. Patrick, St. Pope John Paul the Great, St. Padre Pio, and too many to count. There is also the children section if you are looking at wanting your kids to grow in the Catholic faith. This app has these and many more. Hallow is currently on a #pray40 Lent challenge, and today is Day 2. (Peep my current streak lol. Is there any Nigerian living in Nigeria who has this streak???) So please, head to your playstore or applestore as the case may be and download the Hallow app. I promise you, you'd be greatly blessed by this. So, in this Lenten season, we are returning back to the Faith. We are returning back to Jesus.

Dear Catholics, this is not the time for Hallelujah Challenge. This is lenten season. There is an app called Hallow by Alex at Hallow. This app made me fall in love with the Catholic Church. It was this app that opened my eyes to all the beauties I didn't know that the Catholic Church has. This app has converted many people to the Catholic Christian faith. It has brought many Catholics who were confused about the Catholic faith back to the Church. If you are looking for where to grow richly in knowledge of the Catholic Church, this app is for you. It contains all the novenas and litanies you can think of. Mark Wahlberg, the popular Hollywood actor, taught me how to recite the rosary perfectly on this app. This app contains "Bible in a Year" and catechism podcast that was recorded by fathermikeschmitz during the covid lockdown. Fr. Mike read and explained the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation and explained it in such a way that it fits in our world today. Many Genzs all over the world have returned back to the Catholic Church because of this Hallow App. It also contains many gregorian chants and radio drama of many Saints that you can listen to. Saints like St. Valentine, St. Josephine Bahkita, St. Lucy, St. Patrick, St. Pope John Paul the Great, St. Padre Pio, and too many to count. There is also the children section if you are looking at wanting your kids to grow in the Catholic faith. This app has these and many more. Hallow is currently on a #pray40 Lent challenge, and today is Day 2. (Peep my current streak lol. Is there any Nigerian living in Nigeria who has this streak???) So please, head to your playstore or applestore as the case may be and download the Hallow app. I promise you, you'd be greatly blessed by this. So, in this Lenten season, we are returning back to the Faith. We are returning back to Jesus.

Uche is a girl

17,123 views • 4 months ago

The Xiaohongshu #TikTokRefugee phenomenon is truly fascinating and really exciting if it perdures. It would be the first time ever that we would have a social media app where Western and Chinese users interact at scale. Pretty ironic when this is spurred by an attempt by the U.S. government to get rid of TikTok because it is "Chinese" when it has no Chinese users nor Chinese content. I've been testing the app 👇 and the phenomenon is real: a huge proportion of the posts in the main timeline are by "Tiktok refugees", with many posts being "refugees" asking questions to the Chinese user base. The app is still missing some obvious features that would make it more usable to an international user base. You can have the app in English but it doesn't look like you can translate posts or videos yet. Which means that if you don't speak or read Chinese, you can only understand the posts that are in English (and vice-versa: no translation for English content into Chinese either). My bet is that the Xiaohongshu tech team in Shanghai (where Xiaohongshu is based) must already be working hard on this. All in all this illustrates several important and actually quite hopeful lessons. Firstly, this shapes up to be yet another U.S. attempt to contain China backfiring: instead of reducing Chinese tech influence, it's potentially creating an even more direct bridge between Chinese and Western users on a platform that's actually based in China, unlike TikTok which operates separately from its Chinese version Douyin. Secondly, there's obviously significant untapped demand for genuine cross-cultural social media platforms, despite (or perhaps because of) the geopolitical tensions. Many people obviously do not want the digital iron curtain that the U.S. is trying to erect here: this is all happening organically without any promotional push from Xiaohongshu, people genuinely do not want an artificially divided world. Lastly, less obvious but no less important, the business dimension is particularly interesting. Xiaohongshu isn't just another social media app - it's fundamentally an e-commerce platform where social features emerged organically around shopping. If this trend continues, this has the potential to reshape cross-border commerce between China and the U.S. in really profound ways. Many "TikTok refugees" are actually small business owners who built their success on TikTok: imagine the potential of a platform that gives them direct access to Chinese consumers! This, alongside Chinese sellers finding new ways to reach American audiences, could create entirely new patterns of trade, bypassing traditional intermediaries. This would be the icing on the cake with the other ironies: when governments are trying to 'de-risk' and decouple supply chains, Xiaohongshu could help the ground-level reality of ordinary entrepreneurs and consumers move in the exact opposite direction. Anyhow, whether this phenomenon lasts or not, it reveals something that should give us all some measure of hope: while politicians and policymakers focus on trying to divide the world and fearmonger, ordinary people seem more interested in finding ways to connect. They're more interested in bridges than walls, and that's a good thing!

The Xiaohongshu #TikTokRefugee phenomenon is truly fascinating and really exciting if it perdures. It would be the first time ever that we would have a social media app where Western and Chinese users interact at scale. Pretty ironic when this is spurred by an attempt by the U.S. government to get rid of TikTok because it is "Chinese" when it has no Chinese users nor Chinese content. I've been testing the app 👇 and the phenomenon is real: a huge proportion of the posts in the main timeline are by "Tiktok refugees", with many posts being "refugees" asking questions to the Chinese user base. The app is still missing some obvious features that would make it more usable to an international user base. You can have the app in English but it doesn't look like you can translate posts or videos yet. Which means that if you don't speak or read Chinese, you can only understand the posts that are in English (and vice-versa: no translation for English content into Chinese either). My bet is that the Xiaohongshu tech team in Shanghai (where Xiaohongshu is based) must already be working hard on this. All in all this illustrates several important and actually quite hopeful lessons. Firstly, this shapes up to be yet another U.S. attempt to contain China backfiring: instead of reducing Chinese tech influence, it's potentially creating an even more direct bridge between Chinese and Western users on a platform that's actually based in China, unlike TikTok which operates separately from its Chinese version Douyin. Secondly, there's obviously significant untapped demand for genuine cross-cultural social media platforms, despite (or perhaps because of) the geopolitical tensions. Many people obviously do not want the digital iron curtain that the U.S. is trying to erect here: this is all happening organically without any promotional push from Xiaohongshu, people genuinely do not want an artificially divided world. Lastly, less obvious but no less important, the business dimension is particularly interesting. Xiaohongshu isn't just another social media app - it's fundamentally an e-commerce platform where social features emerged organically around shopping. If this trend continues, this has the potential to reshape cross-border commerce between China and the U.S. in really profound ways. Many "TikTok refugees" are actually small business owners who built their success on TikTok: imagine the potential of a platform that gives them direct access to Chinese consumers! This, alongside Chinese sellers finding new ways to reach American audiences, could create entirely new patterns of trade, bypassing traditional intermediaries. This would be the icing on the cake with the other ironies: when governments are trying to 'de-risk' and decouple supply chains, Xiaohongshu could help the ground-level reality of ordinary entrepreneurs and consumers move in the exact opposite direction. Anyhow, whether this phenomenon lasts or not, it reveals something that should give us all some measure of hope: while politicians and policymakers focus on trying to divide the world and fearmonger, ordinary people seem more interested in finding ways to connect. They're more interested in bridges than walls, and that's a good thing!

Arnaud Bertrand

277,317 views • 1 year ago