ICO investigating social media networks' data protection practices for minors

The Information Commissioner’s Office said it has launched an investigation to see how social networking platforms TikTok, Reddit and Imgur protect the privacy of minors, particularly 13–17-year-olds in the UK. 

 

The data protection watchdog said in a press release that it is looking into how TikTok uses its 13–17-year-olds’ personal information to make recommendations to them. Another investigation has been launched to evaluate how Reddit and Imgur assess the age of minors in the UK.

 

These investigations are part of ICO’s wider interventions into how social media and video sharing platforms use children’s data.

“Our investigation into TikTok is considering how the platform uses personal information of 13–17-year-olds in the UK to make recommendations to them and deliver suggested content to their feeds,” the ICO said. “Our investigations into Imgur and Reddit are considering how the platforms use UK children’s personal information and their use of age assurance measures.”

 

The ICO added that certain tools and approaches are available to estimate or verify a child user’s age, which then allows services to be tailored to their needs or access to be restricted. The watchdog will probe whether these social media sites are using such methods to protect children’s personal information.

 

“This is in light of growing concerns about social media and video sharing platforms using data generated by children’s online activity in their recommender systems, which could lead to young people being served inappropriate or harmful content.

 

“At this stage, we are investigating whether there have been any infringements of data protection legislation. If we find there is sufficient evidence that any of these companies have broken the law, we will put this to them and obtain their representations before reaching a final conclusion,” ICO said.

 

“In announcing these investigations, we are making it clear to the public what action we are currently taking to ensure children’s information rights are upheld. This is a priority area, and we will provide updates about any further action we decide to take,” said Information Commissioner John Edwards.

 

“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 added.