The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) of the United Kingdom has launched an investigation into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur concerning the protection of minors’ data. The regulatory body is examining how these platforms process the personal information of teenagers and assessing the effectiveness of their age verification measures.
At the heart of the inquiry is the operation of social media algorithms that curate recommendation feeds for users. Experts fear that these systems may facilitate the spread of harmful content among adolescents. In particular, the ICO is scrutinizing how TikTok utilizes data from users aged 13 to 17 to personalize recommendations.
TikTok has stated that its algorithms are designed with safeguards to protect teenagers’ privacy and include restrictions on displayed content. Reddit has also expressed its willingness to cooperate with the regulator, emphasizing that the vast majority of its user base consists of adults. The company has pledged to implement updates this year to align with British legislation.
Imgur has yet to comment on the matter.
In 2023, the ICO imposed a £12.7 million fine on TikTok for violating data protection laws, finding the platform guilty of processing the personal data of children under 13 without parental consent.
British authorities are tightening their oversight of social media, demanding stricter measures to shield minors from harmful content. In 2023, the country enacted a law requiring platforms to implement age verification and restrict children’s access to inappropriate material.
Major social media networks, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, are mandated to adjust their algorithms to either remove or downrank harmful content. Should the ICO’s investigation uncover violations, these companies may face additional fines and stricter regulatory measures.
