The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has put TikTok, Imgur, and Reddit under scrutiny, demanding transparency about how their algorithms handle teenagers’ personal data. Regulators want these platforms to prove they aren’t using minors’ information to shape content recommendations—a move that could lead to stricter oversight of social media giants.
ICO Tightens the Grip on Social Media Platforms
The ICO’s push isn’t coming out of nowhere. In 2021, the agency introduced a children’s code of conduct, requiring platforms to implement “age assurance measures” to estimate users’ ages and protect them from harmful content. Now, it’s turning up the heat to ensure compliance.
John Edwards, the UK’s Information Commissioner, made it clear in a statement that this issue is a priority. “We are making it clear to the public what action we are currently taking to ensure children’s information rights are upheld,” he said, promising updates on any further regulatory action.
The investigation could have wide-reaching implications, especially as social media companies increasingly rely on data-driven recommendations to keep users engaged. If the ICO finds violations, these platforms could face hefty fines or even operational restrictions in the UK.
TikTok’s History of Regulatory Clashes
TikTok has been a frequent target for regulators worldwide, particularly over its handling of children’s data. The ICO has already taken action against the platform, hitting it with a nearly $16 million fine in 2023 for failing to prevent children under 13 from using the app.
Europe hasn’t been lenient either. The Irish Data Protection Commission fined TikTok €345 million in the same year for default privacy settings that made young users’ accounts public and for its weak age verification process.
And in the US? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) escalated the fight in 2024 by referring a complaint against TikTok to the Department of Justice, alleging violations of the 2019 Children’s Online Protection Act. With regulators across multiple continents putting pressure on TikTok, its data practices continue to be a flashpoint of global concern.
What the Platforms Are Saying
TikTok, for its part, insists it’s already taking action. A report from Malwarebytes Labs quoted a company representative stating that TikTok has “strict and comprehensive” protections in place for teenage users.
But the ICO isn’t just focusing on TikTok. Reddit and Imgur are also under investigation, though they haven’t faced the same level of regulatory heat—yet. Both platforms allow anonymous browsing, which could make age verification more difficult. If the ICO demands stricter controls, it could mean changes to how content is served and moderated.
The Bigger Picture: Governments Want More Control Over Social Media
Regulators worldwide are looking for ways to rein in social media companies, especially when it comes to protecting minors. The ICO’s latest move signals that the UK is joining a growing global trend of demanding algorithmic transparency.
A key statement from Edwards summed up the watchdog’s stance:
“We welcome the technology and innovation that companies like social media bring to the UK and want them to thrive in our economy. But this cannot be at the expense of children’s privacy.”
His message was blunt: If platforms want to operate in the UK, they must follow data protection laws.
Meanwhile, the US continues its own regulatory battle with TikTok. In early 2025, the platform briefly shut down in the country as a ban loomed over national security concerns. However, after President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term, he issued an executive order allowing TikTok to resume operations.
What’s Next?
The ICO’s investigation could lead to:
- More transparency requirements for how social media algorithms work.
- New fines or legal action if TikTok, Reddit, or Imgur are found in violation of UK law.
- A shift in how platforms handle age verification to comply with stricter regulations.
For now, the pressure is on. Social media companies will need to prove they’re playing by the rules—or face the consequences.
