Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office has launched an investigation into how TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur handle and safeguard the personal data of child users. The inquiry comes amid growing concerns over the potential exposure of harmful content to young audiences on social media platform.
The investigation will examine, among other issues, how TikTok—operated by Chinese company ByteDance—uses personal information of 13- to 17-year-olds to curate content feeds. Additionally, the ICO is probing the methods employed by Reddit and Imgur to verify the age of their younger users. A statement from the ICO noted that if sufficient evidence of legal violations is found, the agency will engage directly with the companies before reaching a final conclusion.
This latest probe follows a 2023 fine of 12.7 million pounds imposed on TikTok for breaching data protection laws by processing the personal data of children under 13 without parental consent. A Reddit spokesperson confirmed that the platform is working closely with the ICO and has plans to implement changes this year to meet updated UK regulations regarding age assurance, despite most of its user base being adults.
The investigation also comes against the backdrop of new British legislation imposing stricter rules on social media platforms. Under these measures, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are required to enforce robust age-checking systems and adjust their algorithms to reduce the prominence of harmful or age-inappropriate content for young users.
ByteDance, TikTok, and Imgur have yet to comment on the inquiry. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for how social media companies manage children's privacy and comply with evolving data protection and safety regulations in the United Kingdom.
Read next
14:00
ByteDance
Talks led by the White House to determine TikTok’s future are coalescing around a proposal that would have some of ByteDance’s largest non-Chinese investors increase their stakes and acquire the U.S. operations of the popular short video app.
07:13
TikTok
TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, remains in a state of flux amid ongoing legal, political, and security challenges in the United States.
08:07
TikTok
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration is in contact with four different groups regarding the sale of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media platform.
21:00
TikTok
Frank McCourt announced on Monday that Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a noted venture capitalist, has joined his bid to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations.
13:00
TikTok
ByteDance’s TikTok announced a major investment plan during an event in Bangkok on Friday, revealing that the popular social media platform will invest $8.8 billion in data centres across Thailand over the next five years.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment