The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched investigations into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over their handling of children's personal data.
The inquiry will examine how TikTok's recommendation system processes information from users aged 13–17, while Reddit and Imgur will be scrutinized for their age verification practices. These investigations are part of the ICO's broader efforts to ensure social media and video-sharing platforms comply with UK data protection laws.
ICO's probe into TikTok focuses on its use of personal data to deliver content recommendations to teenage users. Concerns have been raised that such algorithm-driven suggestions could expose minors to inappropriate or harmful material. TikTok has previously faced regulatory action over its data handling practices, including a £12.7 million fine in 2023 for misusing children's data.
Meanwhile, the investigations into Reddit and Imgur will assess how effectively these platforms verify the ages of their UK users. Both sites host a wide range of user-generated content, some of which may be unsuitable for younger audiences. The ICO is examining whether these platforms implement adequate age assurance measures to protect minors from inappropriate content and data misuse. Age verification is considered a key safeguard in ensuring children's online safety.
John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner, stressed the need for compliance, stating:
“If social media and video-sharing platforms want to benefit from operating in the UK, they must comply with data protection law. The responsibility to keep children safe online lies firmly at the door of the companies offering these services.”
The investigations are part of the ICO's ongoing push for stronger child privacy protections in the digital space. Since the introduction of the UK's Children's Code in 2021, regulatory pressure has led to notable changes, including X (formerly Twitter), disabling targeted ads for minors and restricting geolocation sharing for users under 18. Other platforms, such as BeReal and Sendit, have also implemented new privacy safeguards.
The ICO will coordinate with Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, to align its actions with the enforcement of the Online Safety Act. If TikTok, Reddit, or Imgur are found to have breached data protection laws, they will be given an opportunity to respond before any regulatory action is taken. The ICO has pledged to provide updates as its investigations progress, so any worrying findings that may arise will be shared with the public to help people take prompt action rather than wait for the platforms to implement new measures.
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