The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an important investigation into how TikTok handles children’s personal data. The probe focuses on how TikTok collects and uses data from users aged 13 to 17. The ICO wants to know whether TikTok’s data practices affect what content is shown to young users and if these practices could harm them.
The Investigation Into TikTok
John Edwards, the Information Commissioner, explained that the investigation will look into whether TikTok’s data collection harms children. Concerns include possible data leaks and too much screen time, which could affect young users. TikTok is very popular among teens, so this investigation could have big consequences for how the platform operates in the UK.
TikTok says it follows strict rules to protect young users’ privacy. The platform also claims to limit what content shows up in teen users’ feeds. However, the ICO is still worried about how TikTok uses personal data. TikTok’s system suggests videos based on data like user profiles, interactions, and video watch time. Because of this, TikTok must follow UK laws, especially those designed to protect children.
TikTok’s Algorithm and Data Use
TikTok’s algorithm relies heavily on personal data to suggest videos. The platform collects information on the content users watch and interact with. It also tracks how long users watch certain videos. The more time you spend on the app, the more the algorithm can predict what you might like to watch next. This helps TikTok keep users engaged. However, this has raised concerns about whether TikTok is using children’s data in ways that could be harmful.
The ICO’s investigation will look at whether TikTok’s algorithm exposes young users to content that might not be suitable for them. The office will also check if the platform is following the laws about protecting children’s privacy. TikTok’s ability to meet these legal requirements will be important for the outcome of the investigation.
The ICO Expands Its Investigation
The ICO isn’t just looking at TikTok. It’s also reviewing Reddit and Imgur’s age verification systems. The investigation will see if these platforms follow UK data protection laws, including the children’s code. This code requires platforms to collect as little data as possible and take extra care when processing children’s personal information.
Reddit has recently become the UK’s fifth most popular platform, passing X (formerly Twitter). Imgur, which says it reaches over 250 million people each month, is also part of the investigation. However, Imgur hasn’t yet provided details about its user base in the UK.
Both Reddit and Imgur are being checked to make sure they follow the rules about age verification and age restrictions. The ICO wants to make sure these platforms are doing enough to protect young users.
Reddit and Imgur: What’s at Stake?
The ICO’s focus on Reddit and Imgur is part of a larger effort to make sure online platforms protect children. Reddit claims that 95% of its users are adults. The platform is working on changes to meet UK rules about age verification. These changes will make sure that only adults can access certain types of content.
Imgur, on the other hand, has not commented on the investigation yet. The ICO is concerned that platforms like Reddit and Imgur rely too much on users declaring their own age. The ICO has made it clear that this is not enough. Platforms must make sure that content is safe for users under 13 and take steps to verify ages more thoroughly.
What Happens If They Don’t Comply?
The investigation doesn’t mean that TikTok, Reddit, or Imgur have already broken the law. But if the ICO finds that they haven’t followed the rules, there could be consequences. Companies that break the law may face fines or other penalties.
The ICO is watching these platforms closely. If any of them are found to have violated UK laws, they could be fined. TikTok is already dealing with penalties for past mistakes. In 2023, the ICO fined TikTok £12.7 million for mishandling children’s data. TikTok is appealing this fine. If the company is found guilty again, it could face even bigger penalties.
Why This Matters for Kids Online
The ICO’s investigation is part of a larger effort to protect children on the internet. More kids are using social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur. As a result, there is growing concern about how these platforms handle children’s data. The ICO’s investigation is just one part of the UK’s larger push to make online platforms safer for young people.
The outcome of this investigation could change how these platforms operate. It could also set a new standard for how social media companies handle children’s data in the future. As the investigation continues, it will be important to see whether these platforms can prove they are doing enough to protect their young users.
For more new updates on TikTok, visit New York Mirror.