UK authorities have launched an investigation into TikTok and Reddit, examining their handling of children’s personal data practices.
Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into how TikTok, Reddit, and online image-sharing platform Imgur safeguard children’s privacy.
The ICO said on Monday it is examining how TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, uses the personal information of 13–17-year-olds to suggest content in their feeds. It is also investigating Reddit and Imgur over how they assess the age of child users.
Social media platforms rely on complex algorithms to prioritise content and keep users engaged. However, these algorithms can amplify similar material, potentially exposing children to increasing amounts of harmful content.
“If we find there is sufficient evidence that any of these companies have broken the law, we will put this to them and obtain their representations before reaching a final conclusion,” the ICO said in a statement.
In 2023, the ICO fined TikTok £12.7 million ($16 million) for breaching data protection laws by using the personal data of children under 13 without parental consent.
A Reddit spokesperson told Reuters via email that the company has been working closely with the ICO and intends to comply with all relevant regulations in the countries where it operates. “Most of our users are adults, but we have plans to roll out changes this year that address updates to UK regulations around age assurance,” the spokesperson said.
ByteDance, TikTok, and Imgur did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The UK has introduced stricter regulations for social media platforms, requiring them to prevent children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content through age limits and verification measures. Under proposed British rules published last year, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok must also adjust their algorithms to filter out or downgrade harmful material to better protect children.
