UK watchdog investigates TikTok over use of teenage users’ data
TikTok is the target of a “major investigation” into the use of children’s data, amid concerns the social media app is causing harm to young teens.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will look at how TikTok uses children’s data as part of its recommendation system, which serves videos to users based on their preferences and habits.
Information Commissioner, John Edwards, said it will determine whether the data collection practices are causing active harm by creating addictive behaviours.
The UK watchdog will also explore whether children’s data is secure and private enough.
TikTok has responded, stating that it deploys “strict and comprehensive measures” to protect teenagers using the platform.
The ByteDance-owned platform currently restricts certain features for 13 to 15-year-olds and doesn’t allow certain types of content to populate their “feeds”.
TikTok added that its recommendation system is based on data from user profiles and is in line with UK rules for social media.
The ICO will also investigate age checks for other digital sites as part of its probe, with both Reddit and Imgur under the spotlight as they each grow in popularity.
Recent data from Ofcom showed that Reddit now has more site visits than X, formerly Twitter.
The watchdog wants to make sure these sites are adhering to the UK’s data protection laws, which include the children’s code.
Mr Edwards said: “I don’t want to pre-judge how we might look at the Imgur and Reddit matters, but if there are age limits for accessing services, then the platforms have to enforce those in some way.”
He added that “self-declaration” isn’t enough when it comes to shielded young teens from harmful content.