The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into how TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur protect children on their respective platforms.

The investigation into TikTok is centered on the platform’s use of personal data from young users (aged 13-17) to provide recommendations and suggested content. In contrast, the probe into Reddit and Imgur examines both the platforms’ usage of children’s personal information and their methods for estimating or verifying a child’s age.

According to UK Information Commissioner John Edwards, “If social media and video-sharing platforms wish to operate in the UK, they must adhere to data protection laws.” He emphasized that “the responsibility for keeping children safe online rests squarely with the companies providing these services,” and his office is committed to holding them accountable. At this point, it is unclear whether these companies have violated personal data protection regulations.

In 2023, the ICO imposed a £12.7 million ($16.1 million) fine on TikTok. This penalty was a result of the platform allowing up to 1.4 million children under the age of 13 to use its services in 2020 without obtaining parental consent, and subsequently using their data. The ByteDance-owned company has also faced criticism in the US regarding its handling of young users, with mixed outcomes.