TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur face UK probe over child data privacy issues

The UK is cracking down on how social media and video-sharing platforms handle children’s personal information. As announced today, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the country’s data protection authority, launched investigations into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur. The move reflects rising concerns about how these platforms use data from young users, especially when it comes to keeping them safe online.

The ICO is digging into TikTok’s practices first. They want to know how the app uses data from 13- to 17-year-olds to recommend videos. TikTok relies on an algorithm that tracks what users watch and like, then suggests more content based on that. It’s a system that keeps people scrolling, but it’s also sparked worries. If it’s not set up with kids in mind, it might push harmful or age-inappropriate videos their way. The ICO is checking if TikTok has proper safeguards to protect young users’ privacy and well-being.

Meanwhile, Reddit and Imgur are under the spotlight for a different reason. The ICO is looking at how these platforms figure out users’ ages, a process called age assurance. This matters because knowing someone’s age helps platforms adjust privacy settings or block content that’s not right for kids. Weak age checks could mean children stumble into adult spaces online or have their data misused. The ICO wants to see if Reddit and Imgur are doing enough to get this right.

These investigations tie into bigger efforts by the ICO to shield kids online. Back in 2021, they rolled out the Children’s Code, a set of rules that says companies must put children’s privacy first. It’s not just about collecting data — it’s about making sure that data doesn’t lead to harm. For example, the code says things like profiling for content suggestions should be off by default for kids unless there’s a solid reason and strong protections in place.

John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner, weighed in on the issue. “We welcome the technology and innovation that companies like social media bring to the UK and want them to thrive in our economy,” he said. “But this cannot be at the expense of children’s privacy.” He made it clear that platforms operating in the UK need to follow data protection laws, no exceptions.

The ICO isn’t new to this fight. Over the past year, their pressure has led to changes elsewhere. X stopped showing ads to users under 18 and cut their ability to share locations. BeReal ditched precise location sharing for kids too. These wins show the ICO’s push is working, but they’re not stopping there.

For now, the investigations into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur are just getting started. The ICO hasn’t said these platforms are guilty of anything yet. They’re gathering evidence, and if they find possible breaches, the companies will get a chance to explain themselves before any final calls are made.

Protecting kids online is more urgent than ever. With millions of young users on platforms like these, the stakes are high. The ICO’s work is about making sure the digital world is a safer place for them, one investigation at a time. That said, they aren’t alone. Governments around the world have recently started taking major steps to crack down on social media’s grasp over the young crowd. Only time will tell if these actions help make any meaningful changes.