Tech

UK Investigates Reddit, and Imgur TikTok Children’s Data Privacy Concerns

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into TikTok children’s data privacy practices, alongside other major social media platforms such as Reddit and Imgur. The inquiry aims to examine how these platforms collect, store, and use children’s personal information, raising concerns over data protection and online safety for minors.

Concerns Over Children's Data Protection on Social Media

Social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur utilize sophisticated algorithms to personalize content and enhance user engagement. However, these algorithms can expose young users to inappropriate or harmful material, leading to growing concerns about children’s online safety.

The ICO’s investigation will specifically assess whether TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, complies with UK data protection laws when handling personal information from users aged 13 to 17. The watchdog will also examine how Reddit and Imgur verify the ages of their users, ensuring that children are not exposed to content meant for adults.

Previous Actions Against TikTok Over Child Data Privacy Violations

This is not the first time TikTok has faced regulatory action regarding TikTok children’s data privacy. In 2023, the ICO fined TikTok £12.7 million ($16 million) for unlawfully processing the data of children under 13 without obtaining parental consent. This fine was a significant move by the UK government to hold social media platforms accountable for ensuring compliance with child data protection laws.

The ICO’s new probe aims to determine whether TikTok continues to breach data privacy regulations and if additional measures are necessary to safeguard young users.

How TikTok Uses Children's Personal Data

The investigation is centered on how TikTok gathers and processes personal data from teenagers. TikTok’s algorithm-driven platform suggests content based on user activity, meaning that children may unknowingly share personal details that influence their content feed.

Key concerns regarding TikTok’s data practices include:

Collection of sensitive user data such as location, browsing habits, and device information.
Content recommendation systems that may expose minors to inappropriate or addictive content.
Lack of parental control measures to monitor children’s activities on the platform.
Inadequate age verification systems, allowing children under 13 to access the platform without strict restrictions.

Reddit and Imgur Also Under ICO Investigation

While TikTok is a major focus, the ICO is also examining Reddit and Imgur’s child data protection policies. Both platforms cater to diverse audiences and host a wide range of content, some of which may not be suitable for minors.

Reddit, which allows users to engage in discussions across various communities, has stated that most of its user base consists of adults. However, the platform acknowledged the importance of age verification and announced plans to roll out stricter measures to comply with UK regulations in 2025.

Similarly, Imgur, a popular image-sharing website, faces scrutiny over whether it has effective systems in place to restrict underage users from accessing mature or inappropriate content.

UK's Stricter Social Media Regulations for Child Safety

The UK government has been actively working to implement stricter child safety regulations for social media platforms. The Online Safety Act, passed recently, mandates that companies must:

Prevent children from accessing harmful or age-inappropriate content.
Enforce robust age-checking measures.
Regulate algorithm-driven content recommendation systems to prevent harmful material from reaching minors.

These measures align with the ICO’s ongoing efforts to ensure that companies prioritize data privacy and children’s online safety.

Statements from Companies Under Investigation

In response to the investigation, a Reddit spokesperson confirmed the platform’s cooperation with the ICO and emphasized its commitment to compliance.

“Most of our users are adults, but we are implementing new changes to address updates in UK regulations regarding age assurance,” Reddit stated in an email to Reuters.

ByteDance, TikTok, and Imgur have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation.