Introduction
The UKs data protection regulator [3] [4], led by Information Commissioner John Edwards [3] [4] [6], has launched investigations into TikTok [2] [3] [4] [7], Imgur [1] [2] [4] [6] [7], and Reddit [4]. The focus is on these platforms’ handling of children’s data and privacy protections, particularly for users aged 13-17 [1]. This inquiry aims to ensure the protection of minors online by examining how these platforms gather and utilize children’s personal information and the effectiveness of their age assurance measures.
Description
The UKs data protection regulator [3] [4], led by Information Commissioner John Edwards [3] [4] [6], has initiated investigations into TikTok [2] [3] [4] [7], Imgur [1] [2] [4] [6] [7], and Reddit regarding their management of children’s data and privacy protections [2], particularly focusing on users aged 13-17 [1]. This inquiry is centered on the use of algorithms and recommender systems, especially in the case of TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance [2], and their potential to expose minors to harmful content [6]. TikTok asserts that it has implemented strict measures to safeguard the privacy and safety of teenagers [6], including content limitations for younger users [1]. The investigation aims to ensure the protection of minors online by examining how these platforms gather and utilize children’s personal information, as well as the effectiveness of their age assurance measures.
Recent research from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) indicates that nearly half of British parents feel they lack control over the data collected by social media and video-sharing platforms about their children [3]. Edwards emphasized the responsibility of these platforms to provide clear and accessible information to children regarding their data usage [3]. Compliance with the law is mandatory for any platform operating in the UK that targets or collects data from children [3]. This inquiry follows a previous £12.7 million fine imposed on TikTok for breaching data protection laws by using data from children under 13 without parental consent, with estimates suggesting that around 1.4 million underage users accessed the platform [6], raising concerns about the collection of their data and the risk of harmful content being recommended [6].
Reddit has committed to cooperating with the ICO and plans to implement changes to comply with UK age assurance regulations [1], while Imgur has not yet commented on the investigation. The ICO has reached out to several companies to clarify their data practices and is collaborating with Ofcom to ensure effective regulation of these systems [5]. The ICO has raised alarms about the potential risks posed by recommender systems that may expose vulnerable young users to inappropriate or harmful content [4], underscoring the need for stricter adherence to data protection regulations in light of recent UK legislation enforcing stricter rules on social media platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful content.
Conclusion
The ongoing investigations underscore the critical need for social media platforms to adhere to data protection regulations, particularly concerning minors. By scrutinizing the data practices of TikTok, Imgur [1] [2] [4] [6] [7], and Reddit [4], the ICO aims to mitigate risks associated with the exposure of young users to harmful content. The outcomes of these investigations could lead to more stringent enforcement of data protection laws and set a precedent for how platforms manage children’s data in the future. Compliance and cooperation from these platforms are essential to ensure a safer online environment for minors.
References
[1] https://tickernews.co/telstra-launches-scam-protect-feature-for-phone-users/
[2] https://www.econotimes.com/search?v=what+opterycom+privacy
[3] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/ico-fires-gdpr-warning-shot/
[4] https://ciso2ciso.com/uk-ico-fires-gdpr-warning-shot-over-use-of-childrens-data-source-www-infosecurity-magazine-com/
[5] https://aphaia.co.uk/the-uks-childrens-code-update-for-businesses-processing-childrens-data/
[6] https://uwpexponent.com/news/2025/03/13/u-k-privacy-watchdog-investigates-tiktok/
[7] https://www.law360.com/technology/news?amp%3Butmcontent=2025-03-13&nlpk=1bfa453c-9759-4b5b-bda8-d9cd7e569835&page=9
