UK Launches Investigation into TikTok, Reddit Over Children's Personal Data Practices

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has officially launched an investigation into TikTok and Reddit regarding their handling of children's data. The inquiry aims to assess whether these platforms comply with UK data protection laws, specifically focusing on the collection, use, and potential exploitation of data from minors.

Key Details:

Focus on Children’s Data: The investigation will primarily look into how these platforms collect and manage personal data from users under the age of 18, ensuring that they adhere to the strict guidelines set out by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act.

Privacy Concerns: Both TikTok and Reddit have faced growing concerns over their privacy practices, particularly regarding children’s data. The investigation comes amid global scrutiny of how tech companies collect, store, and use personal data from minors.

Regulatory Actions: The ICO's inquiry follows similar moves by other global regulators who have expressed concerns over children's online privacy. In recent years, there has been increasing attention on tech companies’ responsibility to protect minors' data from misuse.

Potential Consequences: If found guilty of violating data protection laws, both platforms could face significant fines and be required to make substantial changes to their data practices, particularly regarding children’s privacy.

This investigation highlights the increasing global efforts to ensure tech companies are transparent and responsible when dealing with sensitive user data, especially from younger audiences.