UK Privacy Watchdog Investigates TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur Over Children’s Data Practices
On Monday, the UK’s privacy regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), launched an investigation into how TikTok, Reddit, and the online image-sharing platform Imgur handle children’s privacy. This probe focuses on ensuring that these platforms are adequately safeguarding the personal data of minors, particularly in light of the growing concerns around digital privacy and the impact of online content on young users.
The ICO’s investigation centers on the use of complex algorithms by these social media platforms, which prioritize content and keep users engaged. While these algorithms help users discover relevant content, they can also expose children to harmful material by amplifying similar content. The watchdog is particularly concerned about how TikTok, operated by the Chinese company ByteDance, uses the personal data of users aged 13 to 17 to suggest content on their feeds.
In addition to TikTok, the ICO is also investigating Reddit and Imgur for how they assess the age of child users. Both platforms, which host a variety of user-generated content, need to ensure they are accurately identifying and protecting underage users, as the use of personal data without appropriate safeguards could violate privacy laws. The ICO has made it clear that if any violations are found, it will hold these companies accountable and seek their input before reaching a final decision.
The investigation follows a previous issue in 2023, when the ICO fined TikTok GBP 12.7 million (approximately $16 million or Rs. 139 crore) for breaching data protection laws by improperly using the personal data of children under 13 without obtaining parental consent. This investigation marks the ICO’s ongoing efforts to ensure that social media platforms adhere to stringent privacy standards, especially when it comes to protecting younger users.
