UK Launches Major Inquiry into Child Safety Measures on TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur

Major Investigation Launched into Child Protection Measures on TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has initiated a significant investigation into the child protection measures of three popular apps: TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur. The focus is on age verification processes and whether these platforms comply with the law in handling children's personal data.

Key Points:

• TikTok Investigation: The ICO is examining how TikTok uses personal information of 13–17-year-olds to recommend content and tailor feeds.
• Imgur and Reddit Investigations: These platforms are being reviewed for their use of UK children’s personal data and age verification methods.
• Previous Actions: Last year, the ICO required other apps like X (formerly Twitter), Sendit, BeReal, Daily Motion, and Viber to enhance child protections. Specific changes include:
  • X: Stopped serving ads to users under 18, removed geolocation sharing for minors, improved transparency materials, and created a dedicated help center.
  • Sendit: Ceased including geolocation info in children’s profiles.
  • BeReal: No longer allows children to post precise locations.
  • Dailymotion: Implemented measures to discourage children from sharing personal information.
  • Viber: Turned off personalized advertising for children, ensuring ads are not based on behavioral data or profiles.
• Legal Requirements: UK law mandates that apps and online platforms minimize the collection of children’s personal data and apply additional privacy measures when processing it.

Statements:

• TikTok: Asserts their recommender systems have strict measures to protect teen privacy and safety.
• Reddit: States that 95% of users are adults but plans to implement changes addressing UK regulations on age assurance this year.
• Imgur: Had not responded at the time of writing.