London: The UK data watchdog announced on Monday that it has launched an investigation into TikTok over its use of children's data. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said it will examine how the popular video-sharing platform uses the personal information of children aged 13-17 in the UK to make recommendations and deliver suggested content to their feeds.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ICO expressed concerns about social media and video-sharing platforms using data generated by children's online activity in their recommender systems, which could lead to young people being served inappropriate or harmful content. The watchdog is also investigating how Reddit and Imgur handle children's personal information and their age verification techniques.

UK Information Commissioner John Edwards emphasized the importance of privacy, stating, "We welcome the technology and innovation that companies like social media bring to the UK and want them to thrive in our economy. But this cannot be at the expense of children's privacy." He further stated that platforms must comply with data protection law to benefit from operating in the UK.

In 2023, the ICO fined TikTok £12.7 million ($16 million) for mishandling children's data and allowing up to 1.4 million UK children younger than 13 to use the platform in 2020.