The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has initiated a major investigation into how social media platforms TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur handle children's personal data and content recommendations.
The investigation primarily focuses on TikTok's use of personal information from users aged 13-17 to power its content recommendation system. The ICO aims to determine whether the platform's data collection practices could potentially harm young users through data breaches or excessive platform engagement.
For Reddit and Imgur, the probe centers on their age verification methods and how they process children's personal information. This comes as Reddit recently became the UK's fifth most popular social platform, surpassing X (formerly Twitter).
Information Commissioner John Edwards emphasized that while technology innovation is welcome in the UK economy, it cannot compromise children's privacy. "If social media and video sharing platforms want to benefit from operating in the UK, they must comply with data protection law," Edwards stated.
TikTok defended its practices, stating their recommendation systems operate under "strict and comprehensive measures" to protect teens' privacy and safety. Reddit disclosed that 95% of their users are adults and announced plans to implement changes addressing UK age verification regulations.
The investigation follows the ICO's broader examination of recommendation systems across 11 platforms in August 2024. While the current probe doesn't necessarily indicate wrongdoing, platforms found violating UK data protection laws could face enforcement notices and financial penalties.
This scrutiny comes amid wider concerns about social media algorithms potentially exposing young users to harmful content. TikTok is currently appealing a previous £12.7m ICO fine from 2023 related to mishandling children's data.
The ICO will work alongside Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, to coordinate enforcement efforts under the Online Safety Act.