The investigation will look into how TikTok uses the personal data of UK teenagers, aged 13-17, to recommend content and shape their feeds.
The UK’s data protection watchdog has launched an investigation into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over their use of children’s personal information, amid concerns that their algorithms may expose young users to inappropriate or harmful content.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said on Monday it will investigate whether any of these companies are breaking data protection law.
TikTok’s algorithm powers the “For You” feed, which recommends content to users based on their preferences and interests. A study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) previously found the app was suggesting eating disorder and self-harm content to vulnerable teenagers within minutes of creating an account.
The ICO will review how TikTok uses personal information of 13–17-year-olds to make recommendations to them and deliver suggested content to their feeds.
Reddit was the fastest-growing large social media platform in the UK last year. It will be investigated alongside the online image sharing website Imgur over their use of age assurance measures to tailor appropriate information for child users.
John Edwards, UK information commissioner, said that children’s information rights are a priority area for the regulator.
“We welcome the technology and innovation that companies like social media bring to the UK and want them to thrive in our economy. But this cannot be at the expense of children’s privacy.
“My message is simple. If social media and video sharing platforms want to benefit from operating in the UK they must comply with data protection law.
“The responsibility to keep children safe online lies firmly at the door of the companies offering these services and my office is steadfast in its commitment to hold them to account,” he said.
TikTok
The ICO chose platforms for investigation based on their growth among young users, market dominance, and potential risks.
In 2023, the UK’s communications regulator Ofcom found that TikTok was the most-used news source for teenagers.
Edwards clarified that TikTok was not being singled out but was chosen to help understand broader social media trends.
“The selection was made based on the direction of growth travel in relation to young users, market dominance, and potential for harm.
