Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Americans Are Learning Chinese and Turning to TikTok Alternative RedNote
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
The Chinese text and video platform Xiaohongshu—popularly known as RedNote—was the most downloaded app in the United States this week, and Duolingo just revealed a 216% increase in Mandarin learning on its platform. Just days before the TikTok app gets banned in the U.S., Americans are already preparing and turning to RedNote.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- RedNote was the most downloaded app in the United States this week.
- Duoling reported a 216% increase in Mandarin learning.
- Chinese users are welcoming over 700 million “TikTok refugees” from the U.S. on the platform.
Many RedNote users have been using the hashtag “TikTokrefugee” to interact on the platform. Chinese users have been sharing the message “Welcome TikTok refugees.”
According to Reuters , over 700,000 new U.S. members have joined the Chinese platform as TikTok—with over 170 million American accounts—approaches its possible ban in the territory on January 19.
Chinese users and American users have been interacting directly. Users have been exchanging information about their countries, Chinese users have been answering questions about China’s birth policies or city tourist sights, and Americans have been answering questions about popular video games. However, there’s a language barrier that Americans are trying to overcome.
According to TechCrunch , is not just about interacting with Chinese users, RedNote’s default language is Mandarin Chinese, so U.S. residents are learning the language—a significant peak of 216% in Mandarin learning on Duolingo.
Learning Mandarin out of spite? You’re not alone. We’ve seen a ~216% growth in new Chinese (Mandarin) learners in the US compared to this time last year. https://t.co/9hzwBxfTgD pic.twitter.com/qWM9f5oFYA — Duolingo (@duolingo) January 15, 2025
“Oh so NOW you’re learning Mandarin,” posted Duolingo on X on Tuesday, and later the graphics of the increased interest of Americans in learning the language on its platform.
Image by TheDigitalArtist, from Pixabay
FBI Deletes PlugX Malware From Over 4,200 Computers
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) announced Tuesday that a court-authorized operation enabled the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to delete PlugX malware from over 4,250 infected computers across the United States.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- The malware allowed hackers to control victim computers and extract confidential information.
- FBI obtained nine warrants to authorize malware removal from U.S.-based systems.
- PlugX infections primarily targeted Windows-based computers, including home devices.
PlugX, a malicious tool designed to infiltrate and exfiltrate data from compromised systems, has been used by Mustang Panda since at least 2014. The group reportedly operates under the sponsorship of the Chinese government, targeting U.S. entities, European and Asian businesses, and even Chinese dissidents.
Once a device is infected, the malware persists, allowing hackers to communicate with it whenever it’s powered on, as reported by The Record . Many victims remained unaware of the malware’s presence, which prompted federal authorities to act, as noted by the DoJ.
The Record reports that French authorities revealed that cybersecurity firm Sekoia alerted the Paris Prosecutor’s Office and national agencies about a botnet created using PlugX malware. The malware, used for espionage, had compromised thousands of devices in France and worldwide.
Sekoia experts identified and seized control of a command-and-control server managing infected devices. This breakthrough enabled the company to develop a remote disinfection method, which was shared with several countries via Europol.
The disinfection campaign began on July 18 and is set to continue for months. Authorities confirmed that PlugX has already been removed from devices in Malta, Portugal, Croatia, Slovakia, Austria, and France.
As a result, nine warrants issued by the Eastern District of Pennsylvania authorized the FBI to carry out this malware removal, concluding on January 3, 2025.
This initiative removed PlugX malware from 4,258 U.S.-based systems, including numerous home computers. It marked a significant milestone in addressing Mustang Panda’s extensive hacking activities, which U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero described as “reckless and aggressive.”
The FBI has alerted affected computer owners through their internet service providers and is continuing its investigation into Mustang Panda’s cyber intrusions. Authorities urge the public to use antivirus software and maintain updated security measures to prevent reinfections.
Anyone suspecting their system may be compromised can file a report through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or contact their local FBI office for assistance.
