Britain’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has initiated an investigation into how social media platforms TikTok, Reddit, and image-sharing site Imgur handle the personal data of children. The probe focuses on whether these platforms are adequately safeguarding the privacy of minors, particularly in light of their complex algorithms designed to prioritize content and maintain user engagement.
Social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur rely on intricate algorithms that promote content in users’ feeds, aiming to keep them engaged. However, this algorithm-driven content delivery system can also lead to the amplification of harmful or inappropriate material, especially for young users. The ICO’s inquiry is specifically concerned with how TikTok, the short-form video app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, uses personal data of users aged 13 to 17 to tailor content recommendations.
In addition to TikTok, the ICO is investigating how Reddit and Imgur assess the age of their child users and whether they are ensuring that children are not exposed to inappropriate content or have their personal data mishandled.
“If we find sufficient evidence that any of these companies have violated the law, we will present the findings to them and allow them to provide their response before making a final decision,” said the ICO in a statement.
This investigation follows a previous ruling in 2023, when the ICO fined TikTok £12.7 million ($16 million) for breaching data protection laws by processing the personal data of children under 13 without obtaining parental consent.
Reddit has reportedly been cooperating with the ICO and has expressed its commitment to complying with all applicable regulations. A Reddit spokesperson told Reuters that while most of its users are adults, the company plans to implement changes this year in response to updated UK regulations concerning age assurance.
ByteDance, TikTok, and Imgur did not immediately provide comments in response to Reuters’ request.
The UK government has introduced stricter laws aimed at protecting children’s online privacy, including regulations that require social media platforms to take measures to prevent children from accessing harmful or age-inappropriate content. These measures also mandate platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to adjust their algorithms to filter out or downplay harmful material in an effort to better protect younger audiences.
The outcome of the ICO’s investigation could have significant implications for how these platforms operate in the UK, especially in terms of their data practices and the content they allow to be served to minors.
