UK Watchdog Investigates TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur Over Use of Children's Data
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over their handling of children's personal data. The watchdog is examining how TikTok uses the information of 13- to 17-year-olds to shape their content recommendations, while Reddit and Imgur are being scrutinized for their age verification processes. John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner, emphasized concerns over how these platforms safeguard young users from potential harm.
TikTok’s algorithm determines what users see based on their online behavior, but concerns have been raised that this could expose teenagers to harmful content. A past study from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) revealed that TikTok suggested eating disorder and self-harm content to new teen accounts within minutes. However, the platform maintains that its recommender system follows “strict and comprehensive measures” to protect young users. The ICO is currently investigating whether these measures are truly effective.
Reddit and Imgur, meanwhile, face scrutiny over their enforcement of age restrictions. A Reddit spokesperson stated that "95% of our users are adults" and confirmed plans to implement new age assurance measures in line with UK regulations. Edwards suggested that self-declaration alone is "probably not going to cut it" if there is harmful content on these sites. Imgur has yet to respond to news of the
This is not the first time TikTok has faced regulatory action in the UK. In 2023, the ICO fined the platform £12.7 million for unlawfully processing children's data without parental consent. While the current investigations do not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, platforms found in violation of data protection laws could face further penalties.
Edwards stressed that the goal is not to single out TikTok but to examine industry-wide practices. “We hope to learn lessons that the whole industry will be able to adopt,” he said. If breaches are found, companies will be given the opportunity to respond before any final decisions are made.
