UK Investigates TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur Over Children's Data Practices

The Information Commissioner's Office examines how these platforms handle personal data of users aged 13-17 and implement age verification measures.

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched investigations into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over their handling of children's personal data and age verification processes.
TikTok's use of data from teenagers aged 13-17 to power its recommendation algorithms is under scrutiny, with concerns about potential exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
Investigations into Reddit and Imgur focus on their use of children's data and the effectiveness of their age assurance measures to protect younger users.
The ICO aims to determine whether any of these platforms have violated UK data protection laws and will engage the companies for responses before reaching conclusions.
The investigations follow prior ICO actions, including a £12.7 million fine imposed on TikTok in 2023 for allowing underage users and misusing their data.