The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in Britain has initiated an inquiry into the practices of TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur concerning the protection of children’s privacy online. This investigation aims to assess how these platforms manage personal data related to minors.
Social media platforms often rely on intricate algorithms designed to enhance user engagement by promoting specific types of content. However, this can inadvertently expose young users to increased volumes of potentially harmful material.
The ICO is specifically examining how TikTok, operated by the Chinese company ByteDance, utilizes the personal information of users aged 13 to 17 to curate content recommendations for their feeds.
The inquiry also encompasses Reddit and Imgur, focusing on their methods for verifying the ages of their younger users.
In a statement, the ICO noted, “If we uncover sufficient evidence indicating that any of these companies have violated legal standards, we will present our findings to them and seek their responses prior to making a final determination.”
Earlier in 2023, TikTok faced a GBP 12.7 million ($16 million or approximately Rs. 139 crore) fine imposed by the ICO for unlawfully processing the personal data of children under 13 without obtaining parental consent.
A spokesperson for Reddit informed Reuters that the company is cooperating with the ICO and plans to adhere to all applicable regulations across the regions it serves. “While most of our users are adults, we have initiatives underway to implement changes this year that align with updated UK regulations on age verification,” the spokesperson stated.
Requests for comment from ByteDance, TikTok, and Imgur went unanswered at the time.
In response to growing concerns, the UK has enacted stricter legislation requiring social media platforms to take active measures to prevent children from encountering harmful or age-inappropriate content. This includes implementing age verification protocols.
Additionally, under proposed measures introduced last year, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok must adjust their algorithms to filter or diminish exposure to harmful content, thereby enhancing protection for child users.
© Thomson Reuters 2025
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
