The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is investigating the safety of children on TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur. This inquiry aims to assess how these platforms protect young users, specifically those aged 13 to 17.
The investigation into TikTok focuses on how the platform utilizes the personal data of its younger users for content recommendations. In contrast, the probes into Reddit and Imgur examine both the handling of children’s personal information and the methods used to estimate or verify a child’s age.
The ICO emphasizes that compliance with data protection laws is essential for social media and video-sharing platforms operating in the UK. The responsibility for ensuring children’s safety online lies with the companies providing these services.
In 2023, TikTok faced a fine of £12.7 million ($16.1 million) from the ICO for allowing approximately 1.4 million children under 13 to access the platform without parental consent. The ongoing investigations will determine if TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur have violated any data protection regulations.
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