Investigation launched in the UK into TikTok's use of children's data

The UK's data protection authority has launched a comprehensive investigation to examine how TikTok uses children's personal information. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) will investigate how the social media platform uses data from 13-17-year-olds to recommend more content to them.

Information Commissioner John Edwards stated that they would examine whether TikTok's data collection methods could lead to the leakage of children's data or cause them to spend "more time than is healthy" on the platform. TikTok, in a statement to the BBC, emphasized that its recommendation systems operate under "strict measures that protect the privacy and safety of young people" and that there are "strict restrictions" on the feeds of young people on the platform.

TIKTOK'S DATA AND UK RULES

Information Commissioner Edwards said that TikTok's algorithm is fed by personal data obtained from user profiles, preferences, clicked links, and the duration of videos watched, and stated that this is subject to UK rules. In addition to the investigation into TikTok, the ICO is also auditing the age verification processes of Reddit and the image-sharing platform Imgur. As part of the investigation, it will be assessed whether the companies are complying with the UK's data protection laws and the children's code.

NEW RULES COMING TO PROTECT CHILDREN

The 'Code' designed for online platforms in the UK is based on design principles aimed at protecting children. Within this framework, platforms will minimize the collection of children's user data and exercise extra care in processing it. 

AGE VERIFICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The Information Commissioner told the BBC, "I cannot predict how we will approach Imgur and Reddit, but if platforms have age restrictions, they must implement them appropriately." He also stated that there are many options in terms of technology and methods, but the degree of implementation depends on the types of risks and the likelihood of children accessing these sites.

TIKTOK'S HISTORY OF FINES IN THE UK

TikTok has been investigated by the ICO before. In 2023, the platform was fined 12.7 million pounds for misusing children's data, and TikTok continues to appeal this fine.

News Source: 12punto