The United Kingdom’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has initiated investigations into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur, in a move to safeguard children’s online privacy.
The primary focus of these probes is to assess how these platforms handle the personal data of minors, particularly those aged between 13 and 17. This action comes amid growing concerns about the potential risks associated with social media and video-sharing platforms using children’s data in their recommendation systems, which could lead to exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.
TikTok Under Scrutiny
TikTok, owned by ByteDance, is facing scrutiny over its use of personal data to fuel its recommendation algorithms. The ICO is examining whether TikTok’s methods comply with UK data protection laws, including the Children’s Code, which sets specific standards for protecting children’s data.
TikTok has previously faced regulatory challenges in the UK, including a significant fine in 2023 for mishandling children’s data.
Reddit and Imgur Investigations
Reddit and Imgur are being investigated for their age verification processes and how they use children’s personal information. The ICO aims to determine whether these platforms have adequate measures in place to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content and to ensure compliance with UK data protection regulations.
Both platforms are required to implement robust age assurance measures to safeguard children’s privacy.
Regulatory Framework
The UK’s regulatory framework, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Children’s Code, imposes stringent obligations on companies handling children’s personal data. These laws require platforms to prioritise children’s privacy and safety, ensuring that their data is collected and processed responsibly.
Public concern over children’s data privacy is high, with a number of British parents feeling they have little control over the information collected about their children. In response to these concerns, several platforms have already made changes to their policies. For example, X has stopped serving ads to users under 18, and Twitch has modified its default settings for teen users in the UK.
“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 and my office is steadfast in its commitment to hold them to account,” said UK Information Commissioner John Edwards.
“We welcome the technology and innovation that companies like social media bring to the UK and want them to thrive in our economy. But this cannot be at the expense of children’s privacy,” he added.
The outcomes of these investigations could have significant implications for TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur. If found non-compliant with UK data protection laws, these platforms may face enforcement actions, including fines and mandatory changes to their data handling practices.