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

The United Kingdom’s data protection watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), announced this Monday that it has launched an investigation into how Reddit, TikTok, and the image-sharing platform Imgur safeguard children’s personal information.

According to the official announcement, the decision to pursue these investigations follows growing concerns about data usage.

“We welcome the technology and innovation that companies like social media bring to the UK and want them to thrive in our economy. But this cannot be at the expense of children’s privacy,” said John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner. “If social media and video sharing platforms want to benefit from operating in the UK they must comply with data protection law.”

The ICO explained that the TikTok investigation is focused on the use of data from children between 13 and 17 years old and the recommendations this platform’s algorithms have been suggesting. The institution raised concerns over harmful and inappropriate suggestions to teenagers in the U.K.

The investigations into Reddit and Imgur are also related to the use of data but focus more on age assurance measures. A recent report shared by the Australian online safety regulator ESafety, revealed concerns regarding age verification systems and how children can easily bypass the current safety measures used by multiple social media platforms. ESafety’s survey revealed Reddit did not know how many users between 13 and 17 used its platform.

ICO will consider possible data protection infringements and will take action accordingly. The agency also explained that these investigations are part of their wider commitment to the Children’s Code—also known as the Age-Appropriate Design Code (AADC), which came into force in 2021—to ensure children’s privacy and safety.

“I also want to take this opportunity to assure children, parents, and carers in the UK that we are working on their behalf to make the online world a safer place,” said Edwards.

A few weeks ago, the UK became the first country in the world to ban and punish sexual AI-generated content related to child sexual abuse material.