TikTok, others investigated over use of children's data
Technology
The ICO also introduced a children’s code for online privacy in 2021
(Web Desk) - TikTok, along with online forum site Reddit and image-sharing site Imgur, are to be investigated by the UK’s data protection watchdog over how they use personal information of teenage users.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said it wanted to look into how TikTok uses the personal information of 13-17-year-olds to deliver content recommendations to them.
The investigations into Reddit and Imgur are focused on how they use children’s personal information and their use of age assurance measures, such as how they estimate or verify a child’s age, which can then be used to tailor their experience on the platform.
The regulator said it was taking the action in light of growing concerns around how social media platforms were using data generated by children’s online activity to power their recommendation algorithms, and the potential for young people to be served inappropriate or harmful content as a result.
The ICO also introduced a children’s code for online privacy in 2021, which requires firms to take steps to protect children’s personal information online.
Information commissioner John Edwards told the PA news agency that the regulator expected to find plenty of positive safety elements in place across the sites during its investigation, but wanted to ensure their processes were “robust”.
“It’s what they’re collecting, it’s how they work,” he told PA.
