UK investigates TikTok, Reddit and Imgur children data privacy

The social media sites are under the scanner over evaluation of their data protection measures for children

TikTok app logo is seen in this illustration taken, Aug 22, 2022. REUTERS

The UK’s data protection watchdog, Information Commissioner’s Office, or ICO, has launched an investigation to figure out whether TikTok, Reddit and Imgur’s privacy protection measures are appropriate for children.

The probe will look into how social media platforms use 13 to 17-year-old children’s personal information for content recommendations, according to The Guardian.

It will also examine their age verification processes and whether the platforms encourage addictive behaviour in children, the report read.

"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 ICO stated on its website.

In response, a TikTok spokesperson told Reuters that their “recommender systems operate under comprehensive measures that protect privacy and safety of teens, including restrictions on content allowed in their feeds.”

Similarly, Reddit's spokesperson has assured the ICO that the company would abide by all applicable laws in the nations where it operates, said Reuters.

"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.

Imgur, however, did not make any statements.

This is not the first time TikTok has faced scrutiny from the ICO. In 2023, the ICO charged TikTok with a £12.7 million fine for breaching data protection regulations with children’s personal data.