Information Commissioner’s Office investigates TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over children's data privacy

Date: 18th March 2025
Category: Protection of privacy

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched investigations into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over concerns about how they handle children's personal data.

The inquiry into TikTok focuses on how the platform uses information from 13–17-year-olds to recommend content. Investigations into Reddit and Imgur will assess their age verification measures and data protection for underage users.

The ICO aims to ensure social media companies comply with data protection laws and protect young users online. If violations are found, companies will be held accountable. Commissioner John Edwards stressed that protecting children's privacy is a priority, warning that tech firms must follow the law if they want to operate in the UK.

These investigations are part of ongoing efforts to improve children's online safety, following previous regulatory action that led platforms like X, BeReal, and Viber to strengthen their privacy protections for young users. The ICO will continue working with Ofcom to enforce regulations under the Online Safety Act.

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