The UK’s ICO launched investigations into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over Children’s Data Privacy Practices.
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into the data privacy practices of TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur, focusing on how these platforms handle the personal information of children. The probe aims to determine whether these companies comply with UK data protection laws, particularly regarding age verification and content recommendation systems.
The ICO has launched an investigation into TikTok’s data handling of young users to determine if it complies with UK privacy laws.
Social media platforms use complex algorithms to curate and prioritize content, keeping users engaged. However, these algorithms can also expose young users to increasing amounts of harmful material. The ICO’s investigation specifically examines how TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, processes the personal data of users aged 13–17 and whether its content recommendation system complies with UK privacy laws. A TikTok spokesperson has responded to the inquiry, stating that the platform has strict measures in place to protect the privacy and safety of teenagers, including limitations on the type of content recommended in their feeds.
The ICO is also investigating how Reddit, Imgur and other platforms verify age and handle children’s data.
The ICO is also investigating Reddit and Imgur, particularly regarding their age verification processes and how they handle children’s personal data. If sufficient evidence suggests that any of these platforms have violated UK data protection laws, the ICO will present its findings to the companies and request their response before making a final decision.
Reddit has acknowledged the investigation, stating that it is working closely with the ICO and intends to comply with all relevant regulations. The platform, which primarily serves an adult audience, has also announced plans to introduce new measures this year to meet updated UK age assurance requirements.
Imgur, an image-sharing platform, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation.
The UK is tightening social media regulations particularly regarding children’s data privacy practices.
The UK has been increasing its efforts to regulate social media platforms and enhance online safety for children. New legislation requires these platforms to implement stricter age verification measures and prevent minors from accessing harmful or inappropriate content. In 2023, the ICO fined TikTok £12.7 for breaching data protection laws by processing the personal data of children under 13 without parental consent.
Under proposed British regulations, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok must refine their algorithms to filter out or downgrade harmful content. Algorithms built from profiling efforts can prove to be harmful particularly to children. Standard 12 of the children’s code stipulates that profiling should only be used if there are measures in place to protect the child from any harmful effects. More particularly, content that is detrimental to children’s health and wellbeing should be filtered out of their algorithms. These measures are part of a broader effort to create a safer digital environment for children and ensure compliance with data protection laws particularly regarding children’s data privacy practices.
As the ICO’s investigation unfolds, the possibility remains that TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur could all face significant legal and financial consequences if these companies are found in violation of UK privacy regulations. The outcome of this probe will likely also set a precedent for how social media companies And other organizations handle children’s data in the future.
