The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur to assess their practices for protecting the personal data of users aged 13-17.

Concerns about children's access to social media are rising, with previous reports showing that nearly 25% of children aged five to seven use these platforms without supervision.

A recent ICO survey revealed that over 42% of British parents feel they have little control over how social media platforms manage their children's data.

This inquiry comes amid growing concerns that social media platforms may expose children to inappropriate or harmful content through their recommendation algorithms.

The investigations will evaluate whether these companies have violated data protection laws, which could lead to significant fines or enforcement actions if breaches are found.

John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner, emphasized the necessity for social media platforms to comply with data protection laws to ensure the safety of children online.

While there have been discussions about potentially banning social media for users under 16 in the UK, current reports indicate that such measures are not imminent.

In response to the Children's Code, various platforms, including TikTok and Facebook, are being urged to modify their algorithms to limit children's exposure to harmful material.

Although Imgur has not commented on the ICO's inquiry, the investigation does not imply any legal violations at this stage.

The increasing use of AI across industries highlights the urgent need for transparent policies to protect personal data, particularly for vulnerable users like children.

These investigations are part of a broader initiative by UK authorities to impose stricter regulations on social media platforms to enhance child safety.