UK watchdog probes TikTok’s use of kids’ data

LONDON — The U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into TikTok’s handling of personal data from teenage users to better understand how the platform tailors content recommendations for them.

Concerns have been escalating on how social media sites utilize children’s online data to enhance recommendation systems, potentially exposing young users to unsuitable or hazardous content. The ICO aims to assess TikTok’s protocols in managing the personal data of users aged 13 to 17.

John Edwards, the U.K.’s Information Commissioner, emphasized the need to scrutinize what data is collected and its application. “I anticipate finding numerous positive uses of children’s data within their recommendation systems,” Edwards remarked. He added, “However, my concern lies in whether the systems are adequately robust to shield children from harm, be it addictive use of the platform, exposure to inappropriate content, or other detrimental practices.”

The investigation will also extend to other online platforms like Reddit and Imgur, examining their techniques for handling children’s personal data and the accuracy of their age verification processes.

TikTok, managed by the Chinese company ByteDance, responded by asserting their dedication to maintaining a positive environment for young users. The company stated, “Our recommendation systems function with stringent and comprehensive measures to safeguard the privacy and safety of teenagers, featuring industry-leading safety elements and stringent restrictions on content for teens.”

Earlier in 2023, TikTok faced a substantial penalty amounting to 12.7 million pounds (approximately $16 million) for mismanagement of children’s data alongside breaches of safeguards for young users. At that time, the ICO asserted that TikTok was ineffective in identifying and excluding users below 13 years old, permitting around 1.4 million children under this age limit in the U.K. to access the app in 2020, despite the platform’s policy prohibiting account creation for children under 13.