LONDON, UK – The UK’s data watchdog has launched investigations into three social media platforms—TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur—over concerns about their handling of children’s personal data and exposure to potentially harmful content.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) announced the probes on Monday, citing rising worries that young users may be receiving inappropriate content from social media platforms.
“The responsibility to keep children safe online lies firmly at the door of the companies offering these services,” said Information Commissioner John Edwards. “My office is steadfast in its commitment to hold them to account.”
The ICO’s investigation into TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, will focus on how the platform collects and processes data from users aged 13 to 17, particularly in relation to content recommendations.
Meanwhile, online forum site Reddit and image-sharing platform Imgur are under scrutiny over their age verification systems and personal data practices.
A TikTok spokesperson defended the platform’s approach, stating, “We’re deeply committed to ensuring a positive experience for young people on TikTok.”
The company said it has “comprehensive measures that protect the privacy and safety of teens, including industry-leading safety features and robust restrictions on content in teens’ feeds.”
Reddit and Imgur have yet to respond to the ICO’s inquiry.
This is not TikTok’s first run-in with the UK’s data protection regulator.
In 2023, the ICO fined the platform millions of pounds for allowing children under 13 to create accounts without parental consent, violating data protection laws.
The investigations come amid growing global scrutiny of social media platforms over their responsibility to safeguard young users.
The ICO’s findings could lead to further penalties or regulatory action if violations are uncovered.
