The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into the data privacy practices of social media platforms TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur, focusing on how they handle children’s personal information. The probe aims to determine whether these platforms are complying with UK data protection laws and the Children’s Code, which mandates stricter safeguards for young users.
Concerns Over TikTok’s Algorithm
TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is under scrutiny for how it processes the personal data of 13–17-year-olds to recommend content. The ICO is particularly concerned that the platform’s algorithm, which prioritizes engagement by analyzing user interactions, could expose young users to inappropriate or harmful material.
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John Edwards, the UK’s Information Commissioner, highlighted potential risks, stating that TikTok’s algorithm “feeds” on personal data, such as user preferences, video watch times, and engagement history. This, he said, makes it crucial to assess whether the platform’s content recommendations could lead to excessive screen time or exposure to harmful material.
TikTok has responded to the investigation by asserting that its recommendation system follows “strict and comprehensive measures” to protect teenagers’ privacy and safety. The company also claims to enforce strong restrictions on content appearing in teen users’ feeds.
Reddit and Imgur Under Scrutiny
Alongside TikTok, the ICO is investigating how Reddit and Imgur assess the ages of their users and enforce age verification measures. Given the vast amount of content shared on these platforms, ensuring that young users are shielded from inappropriate material is a priority for regulators.
Reddit, which has recently overtaken X (formerly Twitter) as the UK’s fifth most popular platform, has stated that 95% of its users are adults. A company spokesperson confirmed that Reddit is working closely with the ICO and plans to roll out updates this year to align with UK regulations on age verification.
Imgur, a widely used image-sharing site with a reported 250 million users worldwide, has not responded to requests for comment. The ICO is expected to investigate whether self-declared age verification, a common practice on many platforms, is sufficient to protect underage users.
Previous Action Against TikTok
This is not the first time TikTok has faced scrutiny from the UK’s data watchdog. 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. TikTok has since appealed the fine.
Despite the new investigation, Edwards emphasized that TikTok is not being singled out, explaining that similar concerns exist across various social media platforms. He noted that the ICO hopes to set industry-wide standards based on the findings of this probe.
Stricter UK Regulations on Social Media
The UK has recently tightened regulations for social media platforms, requiring them to prevent children from accessing harmful content by enforcing age verification and moderating algorithms. The ICO’s Children’s Code, introduced in 2021, mandates that platforms take extra precautions when handling children’s personal data.
Under proposed new measures, social media companies—including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook—will be required to filter out harmful content in their recommendation systems. The ICO’s investigation will assess whether TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur are adhering to these standards.
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The ICO has stressed that launching an investigation does not automatically imply wrongdoing. However, if violations are found, the companies could face enforcement notices, fines, and orders to modify their practices. Edwards warned, “We are patrolling, and there will be consequences for breaches of the law.”