Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into how TikTok, Reddit and image-sharing platform Imgur protect the privacy of children online. The inquiry, announced on Monday, will examine whether these platforms are complying with regulations designed to safeguard young users.
Many social media platforms use advanced algorithms to rank content and maintain user engagement. However, the way these systems repeatedly promote similar material raises concerns that young users may be exposed to increasing amounts of potentially harmful content.
The ICO is specifically looking into how TikTok, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, handles personal data from users aged 13 to 17 and whether its content recommendation system is appropriately designed for younger audiences.
The regulator is also scrutinizing Reddit and Imgur to determine whether their age verification processes effectively identify and protect underage users.
“If we find there is sufficient evidence that any of these companies have broken the law, we will put this to them and obtain their representations before reaching a final conclusion,” the Information Commissioner’s Office said in a statement.
In 2023, the ICO penalized TikTok with a £12.7 million ($16 million) fine for violating data protection laws by processing the personal data of children under 13 without parental approval.
Reddit has stated that it is cooperating with the ICO and remains committed to following relevant regulations in the regions where it operates, a company spokesperson told Reuters via email.
“Most of our users are adults, but we have plans to roll out changes this year that address updates to UK regulations around age assurance,” the Reddit spokesperson said.
ByteDance, TikTok, and Imgur have yet to respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
The UK has introduced stricter rules requiring social media platforms to ensure that children are not exposed to harmful or age-inappropriate material. Companies must implement stronger age verification measures and content restrictions to comply with these regulations.
Proposals introduced last year would require platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to adjust their algorithms to filter or reduce harmful content, aiming to create a safer online space for younger users.
