The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK has initiated an investigation focusing on the privacy practices of TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur regarding the protection of children’s data.
Social media platforms utilize sophisticated algorithms designed to prioritize user engagement. However, these algorithms can inadvertently expose young users to increasing amounts of detrimental content, leading to potential harmful influences.
The ICO is specifically examining how TikTok, operated by the Chinese firm ByteDance, manages the personal information of users aged 13 to 17 to curate content for their feeds.
In addition to TikTok, the investigation will look into how Reddit and Imgur evaluate the ages of their younger users.
The ICO stated, “Should sufficient evidence emerge indicating that any of these companies have violated the law, we will present our findings to them and seek their responses before making a final decision.”
This year, the ICO imposed a fine of £12.7 million ($16 million or approximately ₹139 crore) on TikTok for violating data protection laws by processing the personal data of children under 13 without obtaining parental consent.
A representative from Reddit informed Reuters that the platform has been collaborating with the ICO and aims to adhere to relevant regulations across its operational regions. “While our primary user base consists of adults, we are planning to implement changes this year to comply with updated UK regulations on age verification,” the spokesperson noted.
Neither ByteDance, TikTok, nor Imgur provided immediate responses to requests for comment from Reuters.
The UK has enacted stricter legislation mandating tighter controls for social media platforms, including requirements to restrict minors from accessing harmful or inappropriate content through age verification and other protective measures.
Proposed regulations suggest that platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok must adjust their algorithms to mitigate exposure to harmful content and better safeguard children.
© Thomson Reuters 2025
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