The Information Commissioner’s Office is investigating how TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur handle personal information of users aged 13 to 17, amid growing concerns about data privacy.
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has announced an investigation into TikTok, as well as online platforms Reddit and Imgur, concerning their handling of personal information belonging to teenage users aged 13 to 17. This inquiry arises from burgeoning concerns regarding how social media platforms utilise data generated by minors’ online activities, particularly in relation to content recommendations.
Launched recently, the ICO’s investigations primarily aim to scrutinise how TikTok processes personal data to tailor content for young users. In parallel, Reddit and Imgur are under examination for their data usage practices concerning children and for evaluating the effectiveness of their age assurance measures. These measures are critical for determining or confirming the age of a user, which subsequently affects the customisation of each user’s experience on the platform.
John Edwards, the Information Commissioner, articulated the rationale for this scrutiny, highlighting the need to address the potential risks present in the current social media landscape. Edwards stated, “It’s what they’re collecting, it’s how they work,” in remarks made to the PA news agency. He expressed an expectation of discovering numerous positive safety measures across these platforms during the investigation but underscored the importance of having robust processes in place to shield children from harm.
In 2021, the ICO introduced a children’s code for online privacy, mandating firms to implement measures to safeguard the personal data of minors. Edwards noted that while he anticipates finding “many benign and positive uses of children’s data in their recommender systems,” he harbours concerns about the platforms’ efficacy in preventing exposure to harmful content or addictive practices.
The ICO’s inquiries will also determine whether there have been any breaches of data protection laws. Should evidence of violations be identified, the ICO plans to approach the platforms for their feedback before arriving at a conclusive finding. Edwards clarified that the focus is not solely on TikTok, stating, “We’re not picking on TikTok… The selection was made based on the direction of growth travel in relation to young users, market dominance and potential for harm.”
He further explained that the aim is to glean insights that could benefit the entire industry, remarking on the “underlying technology” being prevalent across various platforms competing for user engagement. As platforms like Instagram and Snapchat adopt similar tactics to capture attention, the investigation seeks to provide broader understanding and guidance for the online environment frequented by children.
As of now, TikTok has been approached for comment regarding the ongoing investigation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2023/04/ico-fines-tiktok-127-million-for-misusing-children-s-data/ – This URL supports the claim that the ICO has previously investigated and fined TikTok for misusing children’s data, highlighting concerns about data protection and privacy compliance.
- https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/childrens-code – This URL corroborates the introduction of the ICO’s Children’s Code, which mandates firms to implement measures safeguarding minors’ personal data.
- https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/notes/data/2023-05/tiktoks-misuse-of-childrens-data-results-in-12-7-million-ico-fine – This URL provides additional details about TikTok’s misuse of children’s data and the ICO’s decision to fine the platform, emphasizing breaches of UK data protection regulations.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64843038 – This URL could potentially discuss recent investigations or concerns related to social media platforms and their handling of user data, although specific details are not provided in the search results.
- https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/principles/ – This URL explains the principles of the UK GDPR, which are relevant to the ICO’s investigations into data protection breaches by social media platforms.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The investigation is recent and involves current concerns about social media platforms’ handling of children’s data. There are no indications of outdated information.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Quotes from John Edwards are attributed to the PA news agency, but the earliest known reference could not be verified online. The quotes appear to be original to this context.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Irish News, a reputable publication. The information is also consistent with the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) activities.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims are plausible given the ongoing concerns about data privacy and the ICO’s role in enforcing data protection laws. The investigation aligns with recent regulatory trends.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, involves a current investigation, and originates from a reliable source. The quotes appear to be original, and the claims are plausible within the context of current data privacy concerns.
