The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has initiated a significant investigation into TikTok’s handling of children’s personal data. The probe will examine how the social media platform utilizes data from users aged 13 to 17 to recommend further content. Information Commissioner John Edwards stated that the investigation will assess whether TikTok’s data collection methods could result in harm to children, such as data breaches or excessive time spent on the platform. TikTok informed the BBC that its recommendation systems operate under stringent measures to safeguard the privacy and safety of teenagers. Additionally, the platform enforces robust restrictions on the content that appears in teenagers’ feeds. Edwards explained that TikTok’s algorithm relies on personal data obtained from user profiles, preferences, links clicked, and video viewing duration, making it subject to UK regulations. Alongside the TikTok inquiry, the ICO is also reviewing the age verification processes of Reddit and Imgur, an image-sharing platform. The investigation aims to determine if these companies comply with the UK’s data protection laws and the children’s code. The code outlines design principles for online platforms to protect children in the UK. Platforms collecting data from UK children must minimize data gathering and exercise extra caution during processing. The ICO’s investigations into Reddit and Imgur will focus on how these platforms verify user ages and enforce age checks. According to Ofcom, Reddit surpassed X as the UK’s fifth most popular platform in October. Imgur claims on its website to reach over 250 million people monthly but does not specify the number of UK users. The Information Commissioner told the BBC that self-declaration might not suffice for age verification if content or services are unsuitable for children under 13. A Reddit spokesperson stated that 95% of their users are adults and mentioned plans to implement changes this year to address updates to UK age assurance regulations. Imgur has not responded to the BBC’s request for comment.— news from BBC.com
