UK Launches Investigation into TikTok, Reddit Over Children's Personal Data Practices

UK Launches Investigation into TikTok, Reddit Over Children's Data Practices

Britain's privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has launched an official investigation into how TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur handle children’s personal data. The move follows growing concerns about child safety and privacy violations on social media platforms.

🔍 Why is the UK Investigating Social Media Platforms?

Social media companies use complex algorithms to prioritize content and maximize user engagement. However, these algorithms can also amplify harmful material, which is particularly concerning when it comes to young users. The ICO is specifically examining how ByteDance’s TikTok uses 13–17-year-olds’ personal data to suggest content in their feeds.

Additionally, the ICO is investigating Reddit and Imgur over their age verification methods and how they assess whether a user is a child or an adult.

⚖️ Potential Legal Action

The ICO stated that if it finds sufficient evidence of law violations, it will take necessary steps to ensure compliance.

"If we find there is sufficient evidence that any of these companies have broken the law, we will put this to them and obtain their representations before reaching a final conclusion," the ICO said in an official statement.

📢 Previous TikTok Fine & Data Protection Violations

In 2023, the ICO imposed a £12.7 million ($16 million) fine on TikTok for violating data protection laws. The platform was found to have used the personal data of children under 13 without obtaining parental consent, raising serious concerns about privacy breaches.

🛡️ Reddit’s Response & Compliance Plans

Reddit has responded to the ICO’s investigation, stating that it is cooperating with authorities and is committed to meeting UK regulations.

• A Reddit spokesperson told Reuters: "Most of our users are adults, but we have plans to roll out changes this year that address updates to UK regulations around age assurance."
• ByteDance, TikTok, and Imgur have not yet issued any official responses.

📜 UK’s New Social Media Regulations

The UK government has introduced stricter laws for social media platforms, requiring them to:

• Enforce age verification measures to prevent children from accessing harmful content.
• Filter out or downgrade harmful material using algorithm adjustments.
• Ensure child safety through stronger data protection policies.

🚀 Future Impact & What’s Next?

The outcome of the ICO's investigation could lead to stricter enforcement of privacy laws, larger fines, and potential changes in how social media companies handle children's data. If violations are confirmed, platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur may be required to introduce stronger age-verification policies and better content moderation to comply with the UK’s evolving digital safety regulations.